The Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalanlege, has directed Baales, CDAs, vigilantes and community leaders to work closely with security agencies to eliminate criminal activities across Ottaland
Olota Orders Kingdom-Wide Security Collaboration as Ottaland Moves to Flush Out Criminals
The Olota of Ota and Paramount Ruler of the Ancient Awori Kingdom, His Majesty, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, Ph.D., has intensified efforts to rid Ottaland of criminal elements, directing traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups and residents to work closely with security agencies to ensure no part of the kingdom becomes a haven for crime.
The directive emerged from a high-powered strategic security meeting convened by the monarch on June 8, 2026, bringing together Baales, Community Development Associations (CDAs), youth organisations, security agencies and other critical stakeholders to review the security situation across the kingdom and chart a stronger path towards safeguarding lives and property.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Principal Secretary to the Olota, Prince Adeyemi Sulaimon Olusesi, and made available to Newsheadline247.
Speaking on behalf of the monarch, the Seriki of Ota, High Chief Olarenwaju Bashorun, conveyed the royal directive, stressing that every community must become an active partner in the ongoing fight against criminality.
“The position of Kabiyesi is clear: every Baale, CDA, local hunter, vigilante group and community leader must deepen collaboration with security agencies to ensure that no part of Ottaland serves as a sanctuary for criminal elements,” he stated.
The meeting also produced a series of strategic resolutions aimed at strengthening cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies, with participants agreeing that intelligence sharing and community vigilance remain critical to tackling emerging security threats.
Reaffirming the kingdom’s commitment to collective action, stakeholders pledged to support security agencies in complementing government efforts to maintain peace and public safety across communities.
“The security of our people is a shared responsibility. Stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies is essential to protecting lives, preserving peace and sustaining development across the kingdom,” a communiqué from the meeting noted.
His Majesty also commended the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for the measures already implemented to strengthen security architecture across the state, describing the governor’s interventions as critical to maintaining stability and public confidence.
The gathering attracted representatives of major security formations, including the Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Navy, Amotekun Corps, Ogun State So-Safe Corps, Agbekoya security outfit, local hunters and other community-based security groups. The agencies unanimously reaffirmed their readiness to continue working together to combat crime and enhance public safety throughout the kingdom.
The security summit was attended by prominent members of the Olota-in-Council, including the Ajana of Ota, Oba Clement Akinyemi; the Onikotun of Otun Ota, Oba Akeem Odunaro; the Lisa of Ota, High Chief Adedayo Akindele Eleku; the Baada of Ota, High Chief Quadri Obawole; the Iyalode of Ota, High Chief Rufiat Ojugbele-Mathew; the Baapitan of Ota, High Chief Kayode Odunsi; the Yeye Iwase of Ota, High Chief Iyabo Ahmed; and the Babaloja of Aworiland, Hon. Chief Rasaq Olusola Shotayo, among other distinguished leaders.
Baales from communities across Ottaland attended in large numbers, underscoring their determination to partner with the palace and security agencies in tackling criminal activities. Community Development Associations, youth groups and Arewa community leaders also turned out en masse, expressing readiness to support initiatives designed to strengthen security and promote peaceful coexistence.
The latest move by the Olota is being viewed as a significant step towards deepening community policing and strengthening grassroots participation in security management. As concerns over crime and public safety continue to challenge communities nationwide, the monarch’s call for collective vigilance reflects a growing recognition that sustainable security can only be achieved through active collaboration between traditional institutions, residents and law enforcement agencies.
His Majesty reaffirmed his commitment to fostering peace, security and sustainable development across the Awori Kingdom, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting efforts aimed at making Ottaland safer, more secure and increasingly attractive for socio-economic growth and investment.
