The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, has urged the newly deployed Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11, Osogbo, AIG Bassey S. Ewah, to prioritise rebuilding public confidence in the police.
The monarch made the call on Thursday when he received the new zonal police chief at his palace in Kuta, Osun State.
The engagement focused on security, community policing, traditional institutions and peaceful coexistence across Osun and Oyo States.
Oba Makama described Ewah as an experienced and knowledgeable security professional and urged him to maintain the character and integrity for which he was known.
The monarch said the AIG’s assumption of office provided an opportunity to strengthen public confidence in security agencies, particularly amid concerns about security and trust before and after elections.
While stressing that the police must remain accessible to residents, he noted that effective policing depended largely on information-sharing and cooperation between security agencies and the communities they serve.
Oba Makama urged residents to report suspicious activities and security concerns to the appropriate authorities.
“I call for stronger cooperation between the police and the Osun State Government. Peace and security requires the collective efforts of government, security agencies, traditional institutions and citizens.
“The position of the Zone 11 AIG carried significant responsibility because standards established at the zonal level would influence policing across the commands under his jurisdiction,” he said.
Oba Makama expressed confidence that Ewah would provide the leadership needed to strengthen security cooperation and maintain peace ahead of future electoral activities.
Responding, AIG Ewah assured residents of Osun and Oyo States that his administration would operate an open-door policy and welcome constructive criticism from members of the public.
“Our doors are open. There is no protocol to see us. We are ready to receive criticism, but constructively. It will help us to bring out the best in us,” Ewah said.
The AIG also pledged to work with traditional rulers, government authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen policing, improve public confidence and promote peaceful coexistence across Zone 11.