…Council, traditional rulers and security agencies agree on wide-ranging measures to safeguard lives and property ahead of festive season

The Ijebu North Local Government has rolled out a series of sweeping security measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the council area, following a high-level Peace and Security Summit held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Local Government Secretariat in Ijebu-Igbo.

The summit, convened by the Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. (Dr) Bolaji Odusanya, was organised in response to prevailing security concerns nationwide and the need for proactive community engagement ahead of the yuletide season.

The well-attended meeting brought together traditional rulers from across Ijebu North, religious leaders, political appointees, youths, market men and women, artisans, women groups, persons with disabilities (PWDs), members of the Council of Elders, Community Development Committees (CDCs), Baales and Olotun Associations, transport unions, traders, farmers, private sector players, investors, education stakeholders, as well as representatives of both conventional and non-conventional security agencies.

Also in attendance were elected and appointed officials at the Federal, State and Local Government levels from the area.

After extensive deliberations, participants unanimously agreed that security remains a collective responsibility and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to maintain peace and order within the Local Government.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, stakeholders resolved that all existing security formations, both conventional and non-conventional, must be adequately supported with logistics and resources to enhance their operational effectiveness.

To this end, the summit approved the opening and funding of an Ijebu North Security Trust Fund, to be supported by relevant stakeholders across the Local Government. Residents were also enjoined to contribute to the fund, stressing that the protection of lives and property is a shared responsibility.

As part of immediate security interventions, the summit announced the restriction of motorcycles (okada) and tricycle movements between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, effective from Monday, December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Enforcement agencies were mandated to arrest and prosecute any operator found covering number plates or using face masks to conceal identity.

The summit further prohibited the sale and use of fireworks, including knockouts and bangers, until further notice, warning that defaulters would be arrested and prosecuted.

In addition, unauthorised gatherings, events, vigils, carnivals and social functions beyond 8:00 pm were banned within the Local Government. Any night or overnight gathering must receive prior approval from the palace and the police.

Parents and guardians were advised to ensure that their wards strictly comply with the newly introduced security directives.

To strengthen grassroots security awareness, the summit approved the formation of a Security Awareness Team comprising religious leaders, traditional rulers, Local Government executives, youth and women associations, security chiefs and private sector representatives. The team will sensitise residents through visits to religious centres, schools, markets and other public spaces.

Residents were also encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities in line with the principle of “see something, say something.”

Furthermore, all bushy areas and abandoned buildings within the Local Government are to be cleared within seven days of the release of the communiqué to eliminate hideouts for criminal elements.

Transport unions were directed to sanction members operating outside designated parks and suspend any driver found engaging in drinking and driving. Security operatives were also mandated to arrest and prosecute sellers of drugs, alcohol, and other substances of abuse within and around motor parks.

The summit commended the Council Chairman, Hon. (Dr) Bolaji Odusanya, alongside Hon. Segun Kaka, Hon. Rasheed Kashamu, and other donors for their financial contributions to the Security Trust Fund.

Traditional rulers (Oba-in-Council) across Ijebu North were praised for their continued support in combating insecurity, while security agencies within the Local Government received commendation for their commitment to maintaining peace and order.

The people of Ijebu North were equally lauded for their cooperation and support in sustaining a peaceful environment, as were past and present elected and appointed indigenes at all levels of government for their contributions to building a safer and more livable Local Government.

The summit also passed a vote of confidence in the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, CON, commending his developmental strides in Ijebu North. It respectfully appealed for further support in key areas, including job creation, total rehabilitation of the Ijebu North General Hospital, and the reconstruction of critical roads, particularly from Chips Junction in Ago-Iwoye through Mini Campus and the Palace to Oru town, extending to Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Ijebu-Igbo, the General Hospital Road, and other dilapidated roads within the Local Government.

Participants concluded by reaffirming their commitment to collective action, community vigilance, and sustained collaboration to ensure peace and security across Ijebu North, especially during and beyond the festive season.