Community policing only solution to rising crimes — Olubadan

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has called for the adoption of community policing as a strategy to reduce criminal activities in Ibadan and across Nigeria.

The monarch made the call on Saturday during a luncheon organised at the Banquet Hall of his palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The event was held in honour of participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 19, 2026, from the Institute for Security Studies in Bwari, Abuja, who were on a week-long study tour of Oyo State.

Oba Ladoja said that if properly implemented, community policing would help eradicate crime or at least reduce it to the barest minimum, not only in Ibadan but nationwide.

The paramount ruler explained that the luncheon was aimed at appreciating the participants and interacting with them on their experiences during the study tour, which was expected to showcase Oyo State as a pace-setter and highlight its potentials.

He further noted that many successful Nigerians had passed through Ibadan and called on them not to forget the city. He urged them to contribute their quotas to the unity, progress, and development of Ibadanland.

Earlier, the leader of the team and Director of Studies, Halimah Ibrahim, commended the Olubadan and his council for the warm reception accorded them since their arrival in the state. She said the reception symbolised the hospitality and accommodating nature of Ibadanland.

She prayed for sound health, wisdom, a peaceful reign, and longevity for the monarch in his service to God and humanity.

The event was attended by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; the Otun Balogun, Kolawole Adegbola; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Ekerin Balogun, Oba Mobolaji Adewoyin; and representatives of the Iyalode line, including Taye Soyege.

Also present were Olori Onikepo Akande, Yetunde Durosaro, Nike Akande, Mojisola Ladipo, Basira Ajibola, and Rasidat Ladoja. The President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ajeniyi Ajewole; former CCII President Bayo Oyero; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Dawud Makanjuola; and Taju Aremu were also in attendance.

Representatives of heads of law enforcement agencies in the state, including the state Police Commissioner, the Commandant of the NSCDC, and Amotekun, as well as Mogajis, Baales, and other traditional title holders, also graced the occasion.