The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, CON, has urged the newly deployed Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, Osogbo, AIG Bassey S. Ewah, to prioritize the rebuilding of public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force. The monarch made the call during a high-level engagement focused on security, community policing, traditional institutions, and peaceful coexistence at his palace in Kuta, Osun State.
Oba Makama described AIG Ewah as an experienced and knowledgeable security professional, urging him to maintain the character and integrity for which he is known as he assumes responsibility for policing coordination across Osun and Oyo States. The AIG's arrival in Osun provides an opportunity to further restore confidence between residents and security agencies, particularly following concerns surrounding security and public trust before and after elections.
According to Oba Makama, the police must remain accessible to the people, stressing that effective policing depends significantly on information-sharing and cooperation between security agencies and the communities they serve. He invoked the proverbial expression that "the bush does not shake without a cause," urging citizens to speak up whenever they notice suspicious developments or security concerns.
Oba Makama also called for stronger working relations between the police and the Osun State Government, noting that peace and security require cooperation among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and citizens. The monarch said the AIG's position carries significant responsibility because decisions and standards established at the zonal level would influence policing across the state commands under his jurisdiction.
Responding, AIG Ewah assured the people of Osun and Oyo States that his administration would operate an open-door policy and welcome constructive criticism from members of the public. He urged the Commissioners of Police in Osun and Oyo States to maintain open channels of communication with the public, encouraging residents to report security concerns directly to the appropriate authorities.
AIG Ewah stressed the importance of a strong police-community partnership, noting that effective policing cannot be achieved without public cooperation and reliable information. He acknowledged the cooperation extended to his predecessors and said he was bringing his operational experience from the North-East to his new assignment, where he had been exposed to complex security challenges.
The engagement at the Kuta palace provided an early platform for the new zonal police leadership and the traditional institution to reinforce a shared commitment to intelligence-led policing, public confidence, community partnership, and peaceful coexistence across the zone. AIG Ewah's administration will work closely with traditional rulers, stakeholders, and political actors to promote peace and stability across Osun and Oyo.
Key points
- The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom calls on AIG Bassey S. Ewah to prioritize rebuilding public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
- AIG Ewah assures the public of an open-door policy and welcomes constructive criticism.
- The new zonal police leadership and traditional institutions commit to intelligence-led policing and community partnership.
