Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has been commended for resolving to enhance community policing.
Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen Lekan Balogun CFR, Alli Okunmade II, gave the commendation when the acting IGP paid his a courtesy visit at his Alarere residence.
Egbetokun had earlier disclosed that community policing is the only sure way out of the nation’s security challenges.
He said he would pursue an effective community policing strategy through deployment of technology and motivation of his officers and men by way of training and paying attention to their welfare.
Oba Balogun, speaking through his ‘Baba Kekere’, Senator Kola Balogun, acknowledged the initiative of the police boss.
The first class traditional ruler, in statement by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, described acting IGP Egbetokun as a round peg in a round hole.
He said Egbetokun “is the most perfect fit for the job at this period in the history of the country.
“Our IGP is Enitan. He is a manifestation of abundance grace and mercy in view of what he has passed through in the Force.
“You actually paid your dues. You cheated death on occasions. On two different occasions, you were denied your well deserved promotion to the position of Commissioner of Police.
“But, through the grace of God, you eventually reached the pinnacle of your career. That same grace will sustain and grant you huge success on this exalted seat.”
He also commended the way and manner the new Police Command helmsman in Oyo State, Compol Adebola Hamzat set about his job on assumption of duty in the state some weeks ago.
The traditional ruler said the Oyo Police helmsman showed his commitment to the new vision of community policing of the country.
“We have seen in Compol Hamzat a competent officer and somebody who is interested in community policing.
“He has met with virtually all the critical stakeholders to share with them the new vision and that is what is expected of a newcomer that worths his salt.
“Oyo State is relatively peaceful. Though we have some pockets of security challenges, but the CP has shown the capacity and capability to contain them since his arrival here for which we are very much grateful.
“The Palace, I mean myself and my members of the Advisory Council, mogajis and baales, will not relent in giving the Command all the necessary and needed cooperation and support to achieve the set-goal of securing the lives and property of our people”, Olubadan added.
Earlier in his remarks, acting IGP Egbetokun said his visit to the Olubadan was the first of such to be made in the south-western part of the country.
He said the visit was to appreciate and thank the traditional ruler for the support and cooperation given to the Oyo State Police Command.
Egbetokun further pleaded for the continuation of the good gesture from the traditional ruler.
He said the new vision of the Nigeria Police of community policing demanded for more support from the traditional institution as the closest authority to the people.
The acting IGP said Oyo State is very strategic when the issue of security is concerned because of its location and antecedents.
He disclosed that the Force hierarchy always engaged in thorough search for the officer to be assigned as the helmsman of the State Police Command.
“We are always conscious of who to post here as the CP and we don’t just send anybody here. We look out for who can give effective policing to the state.
“We appreciate our father, the Olubadan and his Advisory Council, for the maximum support you have been giving us,” he added.
The acting IGP said the new vision of the Force is service-driven, compliance with the rule of law, people-friendly, adequate response to crime occurrence, to improve the community and take the Police to the next level.
“To drive this vision, the roles of traditional rulers cannot be over-emphasised and here I come to solicit for Your Majesty’s understanding and support.
“Your Majesty, your roles are very critical to our new vision. Our officers will work closely with you.
“They will be coming to you from time to time for advice and information as the case may be. I implore Your Majesty to leave your doors open to them.
“Together, with your cooperation and support, we will achieve our set objectives and goals of securing and protecting our dear country, Nigeria,” Egbetokun stated.
Four members of the Olubadan Advisory Council were present to receive the acting IGP during the visit.
They included Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; Ashipa Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; and Ekerin Balogun, Oba Dada Isioye.
Also present were three mogajis, including Asimiyu Adepoju (Ariori); Isiaka Raji (Elegbaaowo) and Kayode Ogunsola (Anisere).
