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By Lukman Olabiyi
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, and a Professor of History at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Akin Alao, have called on President Bola Tinubu and the Senate to expedite the passage of the State Police Bill as part of efforts to address the nation’s worsening security challenges.
The duo made the call during the 2026 Online Summit of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) North America, where they expressed concern over the growing insecurity threatening peace, economic activities and social stability across Nigeria, particularly in Yorubaland.
Their appeal comes on the heels of the House of Representatives’ approval of constitutional amendments paving the way for the establishment of state police.
Speaking on the theme, “Insecurity and the Degradation of Socio-Economic Life in Yorubaland: Seeking Sustainable Solutions,” Adams and Alao argued that a properly structured and adequately equipped state police system would significantly reduce criminal activities across the federation.
Adams stressed that beyond creating state police, there was an urgent need for stronger collaboration among Southwest governors, the Presidency and private security outfits with extensive grassroots intelligence networks.
He lamented the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and other forms of criminality that have created fear in communities across the Southwest, from urban centres such as Ikeja to remote rural settlements.
According to him, insecurity has severely affected agriculture, commerce and investment in the region.
“Trade and commerce have suffered, with markets and businesses either shutting down or operating below capacity, while nightlife and related economic activities have virtually disappeared in many cities. Local and foreign investors are increasingly reluctant to commit resources to the region, resulting in economic stagnation, unemployment and rising poverty,” Adams said.
The Yoruba leader also advocated comprehensive socio-economic interventions, including youth empowerment programmes, vocational training, improved access to finance for small and medium-scale enterprises, and support for farmers through the provision of inputs and market access.
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He further urged state and local government officials to embrace transparency and accountability in governance to curb corruption and accelerate development.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Alao echoed the call for a restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture, insisting that regional security initiatives must be strengthened through enhanced intelligence gathering, modern technology, sustainable funding and improved operational capacity.
He emphasised the need to prioritise security in rural communities and farming areas to encourage displaced farmers to return to their lands and boost food production.
“One implication of insecurity in the Southwest is the relocation of investors and manufacturers to Ghana and other neighbouring countries. Economic activities have reduced significantly, particularly after 6 p.m., due to safety concerns. It is also troubling that some criminal operations are allegedly being coordinated from correctional facilities,” Alao said.
He proposed the establishment of a Southwest Security Trust Fund to provide sustainable financing for regional and community-based security initiatives.
Earlier, the Continental Coordinator of OPU North America, Toyin Alowonle, said the summit was convened to identify practical and sustainable solutions to the twin challenges of insecurity and socio-economic decline in Yorubaland.
She urged Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora to unite in the pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous region.
“It is time to rise above sectional interests and work together towards building a secure, peaceful, prosperous and united Yorubaland,” she said.
Alowonle also commended Adams for establishing the OPU and sustaining its contributions to the advancement of Yoruba interests globally.
In separate remarks, the General Secretary of OPU North America, Kemi Agbeke, and the organisation’s Publicity Secretary, Adebayo Olasunkanmi, called for greater collaboration among traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, youths, women and members of the diaspora to confront insecurity and address its root causes, including unemployment, poverty, social exclusion and the proliferation of criminal networks.
