The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has called on the Nigerian government to increase the salaries of both traditional rulers and police officers.
The monarch, who described the current allocation to traditional institutions as “grossly inadequate,” made the appeal on Wednesday at his palace in Iwo.
Oba Akanbi’s call came after he was named a royal patron of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC). He argued that traditional rulers are the “first line of defence against insecurity” and should be empowered financially to effectively carry out their duties.
He noted that he has personally used his own funds for various community projects, including donating medical equipment worth over a billion naira and repairing roads.
“When it comes to the community, the king rules. If the king is empowered, the police are empowered, and the PCRC’s work becomes easier and more effective,” he said.
The Oluwo highlighted the financial strain on traditional leaders, stating, “Unfortunately, traditional rulers are not properly funded. We spend from our personal resources to serve our people. That’s why I’m appealing for at least 10 to 20 percent of budgetary allocations to be reserved for traditional institutions.”
He urged the state government to follow through on its promise to restructure the traditional system, emphasizing that an effective fight against insecurity must begin at the community level with empowered traditional leadership.
The monarch also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its initiatives, such as student bursaries and youth empowerment programs.
“Step by step, Nigeria will become better. I believe in Nigeria, and I believe this country will become the greatest and best nation in the world,” he stated.
Read Also: Tension during Awujale’s funeral as soldiers bar traditionalists from entering venue
In his new role as PCRC patron, Oba Akanbi pledged his full support to the committee, promising to help strengthen community policing and bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public.
“For finding me worthy of this royal patronage, I will use my time in office to support the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), particularly in areas where resources are lacking,” he said.
“I appeal to the government to support the committee, particularly through the two critical institutions of community development the police and traditional rulers,” he added.
According to PCRC Chairman Popoola Ogundoyin, the honor was bestowed upon the Oluwo in recognition of his significant contributions to the state’s security.
