Regional security: Benin Monarch advocates establishment of ECOWAS Council of Traditional Rulers

The Benin Monarch Omo N’ Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has made a case for the establishment of a Council of Traditional Rulers to support efforts at riding the West African sub-region of cross-border crimes.

Oba Ewuare II made the submission in his lecture entitled “The Role of Traditional Institutions in the Preservation of Cultural Values and the Management of National Security” which he delivered at the Institute for Security Studies, Bwari, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

According to him, Traditional Rulers as divined statutory authority closest to the grassroots are better placed to curb crimes by unscrupulous migrants, leveraging on the closer ties and shared values among traditional rulers in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

He called for the creation of an Upper Chamber, made up of traditional rulers, through the instrumentality of the Constitution.

The Omo N’ Oba also canvassed for the establishment of a Security Trust Fund, from where money could easily be drawn to provide the necessary equipment, training and other requirements, devoid of impediments, in combating and prosecuting security challenges.

In his incisive lecture, the Royal Majesty noted that the creation of an Advisory Council of Traditional Rulers, would put the wealth of experience of traditional rulers at the disposal of the various heads of governments on matters of security in the West African economic bloc.

“Such mechanism would strengthen the role of heads of states and governments, through the sharing of intelligence and provisions of grassroots support, which traditional rulers represent,” he said.

The well attended event, had in attendance Course Participants at the Institute for Security Studies Centre, Bwari, Abuja, security experts and representatives of agencies saddled with the management of the nation’s security.

To obliterate the unpleasant consequences of losing the battle against insurgents, hoodlums of different categories across the country and the perennial herders/farmers’ clashes, the Benin Monarch charged the federal government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to prioritise security.

Oba Ewuare II reiterated that though security is the collective responsibility of all, he maintained that security remains the primary responsibility of the government, and urged governments to ceaselessly act as catalysts by leading the way through strategic planning; adequate funding of security agencies; forging effective and rewarding partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders in the security sector.

The Omo N’Oba further charged governments to continuously demonstrate the political will in dealing with proven cases of criminal activities.

In an overview of the material ingredients of Oba of Benin’s Lecture, Dr. Abdulwahab Mohammad Wali, Deputy Director of Studies, who represented the Acting Director-General of Department of State security, said the Oba of Benin’s presentation would help in finding a lasting solution to the numerous security challenges bedevilling the nation.

While commending the Benin Monarch for his in-depth Lecture, Dr. Wali noted that the Benin Monarch’s submission was apt and timely, in view of national and global security challenges, and assured that the Oba’s thoughts, as encapsulated in his presentation would serve as template for an enduring, workable, efficient and effective National and Regional Security Policy and Programme of action.

In attendance at the Lecture were Dr. Solomon Arase, former Inspector-General of Police, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Hon. Ehiozuwa J. Agbonayinma, Ambassador Martins Uhomoibhi, Ambassador Daniel Hart, chiefs, Enigies, members of the Benin Royal family, amongst others.