The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Saturday, called for the adoption of community policing as a strategic approach to reducing criminal activities in Ibadan and across Nigeria.
Oba Ladoja made the appeal during a luncheon hosted at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, in honour of participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 19 (2026) from the Institute for Security Studies, Bwari, Abuja.
The event formed part of the participants’ week-long study tour of Oyo State.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Olugbemiga Ayoade, the monarch emphasised that grassroots-driven policing would significantly enhance security outcomes nationwide.
“If community policing is put in place, it would help in no small measure to eradicate crimes or at least reduce them to the barest minimum, not only in Ibadan but in Nigeria as a whole,” Ladoja stated.
He explained that the luncheon was organised to appreciate the visiting delegation and provide an avenue for interaction and knowledge exchange.
According to him, the study tour presents an opportunity to showcase Oyo State’s leadership role and developmental potential.
The Olubadan further urged prominent Nigerians who have lived or passed through Ibadan to contribute meaningfully to the city’s development, unity, and long-term progress.
Earlier, the team leader and Director of Studies, Halimah Ibrahim, commended the monarch and members of his council for the warm reception extended to the delegation.
She described the hospitality as reflective of the accommodating nature of Ibadan residents.
Ibrahim also offered prayers for the monarch, seeking continued good health, wisdom, and a peaceful reign.
The event was attended by prominent traditional rulers and dignitaries, including the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Otun Balogun, Kolawole Adegbola; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; and Ekerin Balogun, Oba Mobolaji Adewoyin.
Other notable attendees included representatives of the Iyalode line, Olori Onikepo Akande, Yetunde Durosaro, Nike Akande, Mojisola Ladipo, and Basira Ajibola.
Also present were the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ajeniyi Ajewole; former CCII President, Bayo Oyero; and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States, Dawud Makanjuola.
Security agencies were equally represented at the event, including officials from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Amotekun Corps, alongside Mogajis, Baales, and other traditional title holders.
