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By Isa Isawade
The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, CON, has called on the newly deployed Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, Osogbo, AIG Bassey S. Ewah, to prioritise the rebuilding of public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen security cooperation across Osun and Oyo States.
The monarch made the call on Thursday when he received the AIG at his palace in Kuta, Osun State, during a high-level engagement focused on security, community policing, traditional institutions and peaceful coexistence.
Oba Makama described AIG Ewah as an experienced and knowledgeable security professional, urging him to maintain the character and integrity for which he is known as he assumes responsibility for policing coordination across the two states.
He said the AIG’s arrival in Osun should provide an opportunity to further restore confidence between residents and security agencies, particularly following concerns surrounding security and public trust before and after elections.
According to him, the police must remain accessible to the people, stressing that effective policing depends significantly on information-sharing and cooperation between security agencies and the communities they serve.
He invoked the proverbial expression that “the bush does not shake without a cause,” urging citizens to speak up whenever they notice suspicious developments or security concerns.
Oba Makama also called for stronger working relations between the police and the Osun State Government, noting that peace and security require cooperation among government, security agencies, traditional institutions and citizens.
The monarch said the AIG’s position carries significant responsibility because decisions and standards established at the zonal level would influence policing across the state commands under his jurisdiction.
He therefore expressed confidence that AIG Ewah would provide the leadership required to strengthen security ahead of future electoral activities.
Responding, AIG Ewah assured the people of Osun and Oyo States that his administration would operate an open-door policy and welcome constructive criticism from members of the public.
“Our doors are open. There is no protocol to see us. We are ready to receive criticism, but constructively. It will help us to bring out the best in us,” the AIG said.
He urged the Commissioners of Police in Osun and Oyo States to maintain open channels of communication with the public, encouraging residents to report security concerns directly to the appropriate authorities.
According to him, information supplied by members of the public would be treated seriously, while the identities of informants would be protected.
The AIG stressed the importance of a strong police-community partnership, noting that effective policing cannot be achieved without public cooperation and reliable information.
“I look for a very strong synergy between the police and members of the public. That relationship is underpinned by my abiding respect for traditional institutions. Without them, we cannot police well,” he said.
Ewah also acknowledged the cooperation extended to his predecessors, including former Zone 11 AIG Fasuba, and said he was bringing his operational experience from the North-East to his new assignment.
He noted that his previous responsibilities in the North-East, including Maiduguri, Borno and Yobe, had exposed him to complex security challenges and provided him with experience that could contribute to policing in Zone 11.
He said his administration would work closely with traditional rulers, stakeholders and political actors to promote peace and stability across Osun and Oyo.
The AIG advocated “politics without bitterness,” urging political actors to put partisan differences aside when political contests are over and return to peaceful coexistence as members of the same society.
He said, irrespective of political differences, Nigerians remained connected by their common humanity and should not allow politics to destroy relationships or threaten peace.
Ewah’s remarks come against the backdrop of his recent assumption of office as the head of Zone 11, which comprises the Osun and Oyo State Police Commands.
The engagement at the Kuta palace therefore provided an early platform for the new zonal police leadership and the traditional institution to reinforce a shared commitment to intelligence-led policing, public confidence, community partnership and peaceful coexistence across the zone.
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