Kwara Monarchs Close Ranks On Insecurity, Guber Ticket

Traditional rulers from Kwara South Senatorial District have thrown their weight behind the demand by their counterparts from the North to produce the next governor of the state in 2027. Both blocs also strengthen cooperation on security and review shared regional challenges. The position was announced at a town hall meeting in Ajase Ipo convened […]

Traditional rulers from Kwara South Senatorial District have thrown their weight behind the demand by their counterparts from the North to produce the next governor of the state in 2027.

Both blocs also strengthen cooperation on security and review shared regional challenges.

The position was announced at a town hall meeting in Ajase Ipo convened by the Kwara North Traditional Rulers Council under the leadership of the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Umar Bologi II.

Speaking at the session, the Etsu Patigi said both regions are facing rising threats from criminal groups who exploit porous boundary routes linking their communities.

He said the situation has made joint action unavoidable and called for stronger intelligence sharing, support for security agencies and regular sensitisation of residents to discourage collaboration with criminal networks.

Beyond insecurity, he reminded the gathering that since the return of civil rule in 1999, the governorship has remained between Kwara Central and Kwara South, leaving Kwara North without a turn.

He appealed for support from Kwara South in the interest of equity, justice and political inclusion.

His position was supported by other emirs from the district who further said deeper cooperation among traditional institutions would help improve surveillance and reduce attacks in rural communities.

Monarchs from Kwara South described the engagement as timely and long overdue.

The Olupo of Ajase Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahya Atoloye Alebiosu, said the meeting was historic.

For his part, Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Muhammed Gbadamosi, said Kwara North was not asking for too much by seeking support for the next governorship slot.

Other traditional rulers including the Alofa of Illofa, Oba Samuel Niyi Dada, the Olomu of Omu Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti, and the Elese of Igbaja, Oba Ahmed Babalola Awuni, also lauded the engagement.

They said the dialogue was one of the most impactful and urged the federal and state governments to sustain ongoing interventions aimed at addressing insecurity across the state.

They stressed the need for improved backing for local vigilantes and community policing structures to strengthen security responses at the grassroots

The monarchs however jointly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for their efforts in strengthening security and supporting the traditional institution.

Other emirs from Kwara North at the meeting included that of Lafiagi, Mohammed Kudu Kawu, Kaiama, Omar Shehu Muazu, Tsaragi, Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa, Okuta, Abubakar Idris, Ilesha Baruba, Professor Halidu Abubakar and that of Yashikira, Umani Sarki Usman.

Other traditional rulers from Kwara South included the Olosi of Osi, Oba Saliu Abdulkareem Adasofegbe, Olupako of Share, Oba Olawale Haruna Ilufemiloye and the Olusin of Isanlu Isin, Oba Solomon Oluwagbemiga Oloyede.