By Dapo Akinrefon
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, and a Professor of History at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Akin Alao, have called for urgent security reforms and the speedy passage of the state police bill.
They urged President Bola Tinubu and the Senate to fast-track the legislative process that would enable the establishment of state police across the country.
This comes as the House of Representatives has already approved the establishment of state police following a constitutional amendment process.
The duo spoke at the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) North America Online Summit 2026, where stakeholders expressed concern over rising insecurity and its impact on socio-economic life in Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.
The summit had the theme: “Insecurity and the Degradation of Socio-Economic Life in Yorubaland: Seeking Sustainable Solutions.”
Adams said the creation of state police, alongside stronger collaboration between South-West governors, the presidency, and private security groups, would help curb insecurity in the region.
He lamented the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and general insecurity across communities, noting that the situation has affected both urban and rural areas.
He said insecurity had also disrupted agriculture, trade, and investment, leading to job losses, rising poverty, and economic stagnation.
“Trade and commerce have suffered, with markets and businesses closing or operating at reduced capacity, while nightlife and related economic activities have virtually disappeared in many cities,” he said.
He added that fear of insecurity has discouraged both local and foreign investment, worsening unemployment and economic decline.
Adams called for broader socio-economic interventions, including vocational training for youths, improved access to finance for small and medium enterprises, and stronger agricultural support systems.
Prof. Alao also supported the call for restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing the need to strengthen regional security frameworks through better funding, intelligence sharing, and modern technology.
He said greater attention must be given to rural security to encourage farmers to return to their farms and boost food production.
He also warned that insecurity was driving investors and manufacturers to neighbouring countries such as Ghana, while noting that economic activity in many areas now slows significantly after 6pm.
According to him, there is also a need to establish a Southwest Security Trust Fund to support regional security initiatives.
Earlier, the Continental Coordinator of OPU North America, Mrs. Toyin Alowonle, said the summit aimed to develop sustainable solutions to insecurity and economic decline in Yorubaland.
She called for unity among Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora, urging collective action toward building a more secure and prosperous region.
