Insecurity: Increase police, traditional rulers’ salaries — Oluwo urges FG

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, on Wednesday called for an increase in the salaries of both traditional rulers and the police, describing the current allocation to traditional institutions — which he said is less than 5% — as grossly inadequate.

The monarch urged the Federal Government to enhance financial support for traditional rulers, stating that they serve as the first line of defence against insecurity. He revealed that he has used personal funds to improve infrastructure and healthcare services in his domain, including the donation of medical equipment worth over a billion naira and self-funded road repairs.

Oba Akanbi made the appeal at his palace in Iwo after being appointed a royal patron of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC). He described the role of traditional rulers as indispensable in maintaining peace and security.

“When it comes to the community, the king rules. If the king is empowered, the police are empowered, and the PCRC’s work becomes easier and more effective,” he said.

“Unfortunately, traditional rulers are not properly funded. We spend from our personal resources to serve our people. That’s why I’m appealing for at least 10 to 20 percent of budgetary allocations to be reserved for traditional institutions,” Oluwo added.

He further encouraged the state government to fulfil its promise to restructure the traditional system with proper recognition and funding, stressing that any meaningful fight against insecurity must begin at the community level with empowered traditional leadership.

The monarch praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its ongoing initiatives, particularly student bursaries and youth empowerment schemes through the NELFund programme.

“Step by step, Nigeria will become better. I believe in Nigeria, and I believe this country will become the greatest and best nation in the world,” he stated.

Speaking on his appointment as PCRC patron, Oba Akanbi pledged his unwavering support for the committee and vowed to use his new role to strengthen community policing and bridge the gap between law enforcement and the grassroots.

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“For finding me worthy of this royal patronage, I will use my time in office to support the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), particularly in areas where resources are lacking.”

“I appeal to the government to support the committee, particularly through the two critical institutions of community development — the police and traditional rulers.”

In his remarks, PCRC Chairman Popoola Ogundoyin said the honour conferred on the Oluwo was in recognition of his significant contributions to the security architecture of the state.