A monarch in Osun state, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has advocated the need to include traditional rulers in the panel of inquiries on police brutality across the states.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Oluwo, Alli Ibrahim, noted that security threats and brutality does not sphere palaces in Nigeria, hence the need to incorporate traditional rulers in the panel.
He maintained that inclusion of monarchs would ensure effective meditation where needed and as well keep traditional rulers abreast of security issues.
The monarch, who noted the absence of traditional rulers in the panel already constituted in some states, called on the government to consider the importance of palaces in security matters.
He said, “security is one of the primary duties of every responsible monarch. Monarchs are actors in the ongoing struggle and must be given necessary assignment to address the angers of Nigerian youths at this critical time.
“Palaces were part of the target of most EndSARS protesters because of our place in securing our community and managing crisis. Aside police stations, one other primary point of contact are responsible palaces. At this critical time, monarchs input are of immense value. We were seriously affected at the heat of Endsars protests and police brutality. The youth expected much from us because the victims were our children.
“I want to appeal to both the federal and state governments to include resourceful traditional rulers into their respective panel of inquiry. We stand to gain nothing than to entrust justice and have security information that will help us more in assisting the government on security. We are always ready to make our contribution and must not left out at this fragile moment of modern and traditional government leadership challenge. The government at all levels should consider incorporation of virile traditional rulers into the various panel of inquiry.
“The two palaces destroyed by the angry youth were testimonies that monarchs are part of security actors. I will equally appeal to government to strengthen traditional rulers with security vote. Much more would have been done should we have access to such,” the statement added.
