The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has said community policing remains the surest way out of Nigeria’s security challenges.
The monarch who stated this when the acting inspector-eneral of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, visited his Alarere residence where four members of the Olubadan Advisory Council were present,p raised the police boss’ resolve on community policing.
The four members of the council present at the eventwere the Balogun of Ibadanland, Ashipa Balogun, Ekerin Olubadan and Ekerin Balogun, Obas Owolabi Olakulehin, Kolawole Adegbola, Hamidu Ajibade and Dada Isioye respectively and three of the Mogajis, Asimiyu Adepoju (Ariori), Isiaka Raji (Elegbaaowo) and Kayode Ogunsola (Anisere)
The monarch who spoke through the ‘Baba Kekere’, Senator Kola Balogun, acknowledged the initiative of the new Nigeria Police Force (NPF) boss to pursue the community policing strategy effectively through deployment of technology and motivation of the officers and men of the force by way of training and attention to their welfare.
The Olubadan said the IGP is a round peg in a round hole, saying, “is the most perfect fit for the job at this period in the history of the country. Our IG is Enitan, he is a manifestation of abundance, grace and mercy in view of what he has passed through in the force.
“You actually paid your dues. You cheated death on occasions, on two different occasions, you were denied your well-deserved promotion to the position of commissioner of police, but, through the grace of God, you eventually reached the pinnacle of your career.
That same grace will sustain and grant you huge success on this exalted seat”, the monarch added.
He also disclosed that the way and manner the new police command helmsman in Oyo State, Compol Adebola Hamzat, set about his job on assumption of duty in the state some weeks ago showed his commitment to the new vision of community policing of the country.
In his remark, Egbetokun said his visit to the palace, the first of such to be made in the South West zone, was to appreciate and thank the monarch for the support e Oyo State Command enjoys and pleaded for the continuation of the good gesture.
The police boss pointed out that the new vision of the Nigeria Police of community policing even demands for more from the traditional institution as the closest authority to the people.
