Engaging with local communities through police outreach will help curb rising crime rates, says Ladoja.

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By Adeola Badru

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The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has reiterated his call for the adoption of community policing as a strategy to curb insecurity of lives and property across Nigeria.

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This was contained in a press release issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, during a luncheon hosted by the Olubadan Palace in honour of participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 19, 2026 of the Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Bwari, Abuja at the weekend.

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According to the monarch, the introduction of community policing would “help in no small measure to eradicate crimes or at least reduce it to the barest minimum,” not only in Ibadanland but across the country.

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Oba Ladoja explained that the luncheon was organised to appreciate and engage with the course participants, who were on a week-long study tour of Oyo State.

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He noted that the interaction was also intended to enable them to share their experiences during the tour, which is expected to showcase Oyo State as a pace-setter and highlight its potential.

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The monarch further observed that many successful Nigerians had passed through Ibadan and urged them not to forget the city, but to return and contribute their quota towards the unity, progress and development of Ibadanland.

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In her remarks, the leader of the delegation and Director of Studies, Mrs Ibrahim Halimah Zanna, commended the Olubadan and members of his council for the warm reception accorded to the team since their arrival in Oyo State.

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She said the gesture reflected the hospitality and accommodating nature of the people of Ibadanland.

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She also prayed that God would grant Oba Ladoja sound health, wisdom, a peaceful reign and longevity in the service of God and humanity.

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Dignitaries present at the event included the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr) Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Kolawole Adegbola; the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi; and the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.

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The Iyalode line was represented by Oloye Taye Soyege. Also in attendance were Olori Onikepo Akande, Oloye Yetunde Durosaro, Oloye Nike Akande, Oloye Mojisola Ladipo (MNI), and Oloye Basirat Ajibola.

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Other dignitaries included Olori (Barr) Rasidat Olayinka Ladoja; the current President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole; former CCII President, Chief Mustapha Bayo Oyero; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola; and Chief Taju Aremu.

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Representatives of law enforcement agencies in Oyo State were also present, including those of the Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Amotekun, as well as Mogajis, Baales and other traditional title holders.

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