By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide and Agbenuso Omo Alade Oodua, Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq., has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the new Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, to move into Kwara State and establish stronger joint security structures.

He said the proposed structure should comprise the DSS, counter-terrorism police units, Air Force components, and full military capacity to effectively address the current security challenges and restore peace across Yorubaland.

Hassan also urged all security-related socio-cultural organisations to collaborate with traditional rulers to strengthen the “Eso Abo Oodua” through their immediate presence in Kwara State. He stressed the need to work with existing local security groups such as Amotekun, Forest Guards, Atunluse, Agbekoya, and OPC under a well-organised and properly funded National Joint Task Force Security Network to enhance cooperation.

The call was made while accepting his role to serve the Yoruba people globally as Agbenuso Omo Alade Oodua, a title collectively conferred by various Yoruba indigenous groups and associations following a virtual meeting held on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

He disclosed the organisation’s readiness to partner with existing security structures to build synergy through the deployment of AI technology, equipment, and intelligence-sharing to combat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across Yorubaland.

According to him, recent attacks in parts of Kwara State, including the reported abduction of residents in Ifelodun, highlight the urgent need for coordinated security intervention. He noted that Yorubaland has continued to face multiple security challenges, including kidnapping and violent attacks, particularly in Kwara, Kogi, and other states in the region.

“We salute President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to rally international support from countries such as the United States, Turkey, Israel, and France toward strengthening counter-terrorism operations. However, the growing instability in the Sahel region has worsened the influx of armed groups into parts of Nigeria,” he said.

Hassan described his new role as a privilege to serve the Yoruba people, pledging to promote unity, peace, and strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers led by the Ooni of Ife.

“My focus will be to galvanise our people, strengthen unity, and engage all levels of government across Yorubaland and in the diaspora to ensure our collective interests are protected,” he added.

He also announced plans to host the second edition of the Yoruba Obas Conference and invited stakeholders to the 27th Omoluabi Day Festival scheduled for May 1, 2026, at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where discussions on short-, medium-, and long-term solutions to regional challenges will be held.