The traditional ruler of Iwoland in Nigeria’s Osun State, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has advised President Bola Tinubu’s administration to exercise caution regarding foreign involvement in the nation’s security strategies, specifically referencing potential influences from the previous U.S. Trump administration.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Alli Ibraheem, on Tuesday, Oba Akanbi also condemned the recent massacre in Woro village, Kwara State, where more than 170 civilians were killed in a suspected bandit attack. He extended condolences to the state government and victims’ families.
The monarch argued that Nigeria’s diplomatic and security engagements with Western nations must be meticulously reviewed to prevent any erosion of national sovereignty or unity. He linked this caution to a perception that the Tinubu administration’s achievements are viewed unfavorably by some foreign powers, potentially prompting external interference.
Oba Akanbi expressed profound concern over the muted national response to the Woro attack, highlighting that the victims were predominantly Muslim. He warned that allowing such tragedies to be filtered through religious or political lenses fuels division and hampers collective action against insecurity. “No country has ever triumphed over banditry or terrorism while deeply divided along religious or ethnic lines,” he stated, calling for a unified, non-partisan approach to security.
He further criticized politicians and groups exploiting the attacks for partisan or sectarian gain, labeling such actions as detrimental to national interests. The Oluwo stressed that overcoming Nigeria’s security challenges requires robust intelligence and community trust. He urged security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering and foster deeper collaboration with local populations, noting that public cooperation is essential to preempt banditry and protect lives and property.
His statement underscores the persistent challenge of balancing external partnerships with domestic security needs while navigating deep-seated communal sensitivities in the face of escalating rural violence.
