The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has congratulated the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, urging him to champion a renewed, intelligence-driven security strategy capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch described the appointment as timely and strategic, especially at a period when the country is confronted with complex security realities.
According to the statement, the Ooni expressed confidence in the new Acting IGP’s experience, operational competence, and leadership capacity within the Nigeria Police Force.
“Your appointment at this critical moment in our national history is both timely and significant. The security challenges facing our nation require courage, professionalism, innovation, and a people-centred policing approach,” the monarch stated.
The Ooni, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), emphasised the need for a renewed security architecture anchored on intelligence gathering, inter-agency synergy, and deeper community engagement.
“Intelligence-driven policing, strengthened collaboration with other security agencies, improved welfare for officers, and sustained community partnership must form the cornerstone of this new phase,” he said.
He stressed that restoring public confidence in the police institution remains fundamental to achieving lasting peace and national stability.
“The Nigeria Police Force must continually evolve into a professional, accountable, and citizen-focused institution that earns the trust and cooperation of the people,” the Ooni added.
Calling on officers and men of the Force to rally behind the Acting IGP, the revered monarch urged unity of purpose in consolidating ongoing reforms and repositioning the institution for greater efficiency and public respect.
The Ooni also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as decisive leadership in making the appointment, reaffirming the readiness of the traditional institution to support lawful and constitutional efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the country.
“The traditional institution remains committed to supporting all constitutional efforts geared towards strengthening security and protecting our communities,” he affirmed.
In the same vein, the monarch appreciated the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his years of dedicated service to the nation and prayed for continued success in his future endeavours.
Concluding his message, the Ooni wished the new Acting IGP wisdom, courage, and divine guidance as he assumes office at a pivotal time in Nigeria’s security landscape.