The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, and the newly deployed Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) for Zone 11, Osogbo, AIG Bassey S. Ewah, have pledged stronger security cooperation and intelligence sharing across Osun and Oyo states.
The monarch made the call on after receiving Ewah at his palace in Kuta, Osun State, during a meeting focused on community policing, traditional institutions, public confidence in the police, and peaceful coexistence.
Oba Makama described the AIG as an experienced security professional and urged him to uphold the integrity and professionalism associated with his career as he assumes responsibility for coordinating policing across the two states.
He said Ewah’s deployment presented an opportunity to rebuild public confidence in security agencies, particularly amid concerns about security and trust before and after elections.
The monarch stressed that effective policing depended on making security agencies accessible to citizens and encouraging the exchange of credible information between the police and the communities they serve.
Using the proverbial expression that “the bush does not shake without a cause,” Oba Makama urged residents to report suspicious activities and other security concerns promptly to the appropriate authorities.
He also called for stronger collaboration between the police and the Osun State Government, noting that sustainable peace required a collective effort involving government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers and citizens.
The monarch emphasised that the standards and leadership established at the zonal level would influence policing across the state commands under Ewah’s jurisdiction.
He expressed confidence that the new AIG would provide the leadership needed to improve security and prepare the zone for future electoral activities.
Responding, Ewah assured residents of Osun and Oyo that his administration would operate an open-door policy and welcome constructive criticism to improve police performance.
“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,” he said.
The AIG urged the Commissioners of Police in both states to maintain open communication channels with members of the public and encourage residents to report security threats directly to the appropriate authorities.
He said information provided by citizens would be treated seriously and assured that the identities of informants would be protected.
Ewah emphasised that effective policing required a strong partnership between security agencies and the public, adding that traditional institutions had an important role to play in building that relationship.
“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.
The AIG acknowledged the cooperation extended to his predecessors, including former Zone 11 AIG Fasuba, and said he would draw on his operational experience in the North-East to address security challenges in his new assignment.
He noted that his previous responsibilities in Maiduguri, Borno State, and Yobe State had exposed him to complex security situations and equipped him with experience that could strengthen policing in Zone 11.
Ewah pledged to work closely with traditional rulers, community stakeholders and political actors to promote peace and stability across Osun and Oyo.
He also called for “politics without bitterness,” urging politicians to put partisan differences aside after elections and embrace peaceful coexistence.
According to him, political disagreements should not undermine relationships among citizens or threaten the peace and unity of their communities.
Zone 11 comprises the Osun and Oyo State Police Commands. The meeting at the Kuta palace provided an early opportunity for the new zonal police leadership and traditional institutions to reaffirm their commitment to intelligence-led policing, public trust and community participation in security management.