The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Disu, to champion a bold and strategic overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture in response to the country’s evolving threats.
In a personally signed statement released on Thursday, the revered monarch congratulated the new police chief on his appointment, describing it as timely and critical given the “intricate and multi-layered security challenges” confronting the nation.
“This appointment comes at a defining moment in our national history,” the Ooni stated. “Nigeria requires a renewed, intelligence-driven and people-focused policing strategy capable of decisively confronting insecurity in all its manifestations.”
The monarch expressed confidence in Disu’s professional pedigree, citing his operational experience and leadership capacity within the Nigeria Police Force as strong indicators of his readiness for the task ahead.
“Your distinguished record of service, operational proficiency, and demonstrated leadership within the Force have sufficiently prepared you for this higher responsibility,” he said. “The nation looks forward to focused, results-driven leadership that will not only combat crime but also restore public faith in our security institutions.”
The Ooni emphasized that intelligence-led policing must form the cornerstone of the new administration’s strategy, alongside strengthened inter-agency collaboration and improved welfare for officers and personnel.
“A modern security framework must prioritize intelligence gathering and analysis, strengthen collaboration with sister agencies, and invest meaningfully in the welfare, morale, and capacity development of officers and men,” he noted. “Without motivated personnel and strong institutional synergy, lasting peace will remain elusive.”
He further advocated deeper community engagement, urging the police to rebuild trust with citizens through transparency, accountability, and professionalism.
“Community partnership is not optional; it is essential. Restoring public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force is central to achieving sustainable peace and national stability,” the monarch said. “When citizens trust their police, they become active stakeholders in security.”
The Ooni also urged officers and men of the Force to rally behind the acting IGP to consolidate ongoing reforms and reposition the institution.
“I call on all officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to give their fullest cooperation and loyalty to the Acting Inspector-General,” he stated. “This is a collective responsibility to reposition the Force as a professional, accountable, and people-oriented institution.”
The royal father commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as decisive leadership in steering the nation’s security sector, reaffirming the traditional institution’s commitment to supporting lawful and constitutional measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
“I commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his firm and timely leadership. The traditional institution remains committed to supporting all constitutional efforts geared toward protecting our people and preserving national unity,” he said.
The Ooni also paid tribute to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, acknowledging his years of dedicated service.
“I equally commend the former Inspector-General, Kayode Egbetokun, for his service to the nation and pray that his future endeavours will be crowned with continued success,” the monarch added.
