The Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Engr. Jubril Dotun Sanusi, has stated that insecurity in Oyo State and across the country can be effectively addressed by engaging traditional institutions.
Speaking in Ibadan, Sanusi emphasized that reengaging traditional systems would help tackle the rising insecurity.
He said, “To address insecurity, I believe we must cultivate our traditional set-up, the way our society was originally structured.”
Using Ibadan in Oyo State as an example, Sanusi explained that the traditional layers of authority instituted by our forebears were effective in the past.
“In Ibadan, for instance, there is a specific way the city was designed. If the government can tap into that, it would be very beneficial. Other parts of the state also have social structures that can help combat insecurity.”
He further explained, “In Ibadan, the head of each family is called a Mogaji, and the head of each village is called a Baale. So if anything happens in the village, the Baale works hand in hand with the Mogaji, and they report to the King, the Olubadan.”
Sanusi highlighted that since families make up the city and society, this network can be relied upon to build a formidable security system.
He added, “There should be accountability so that if anything happens within a family, the Mogaji, as the head, is held responsible. Similarly, if anything happens in the village, the Baale is held responsible.”
Sanusi believes that the current insecurity persists due to a lack of accountability and the abandonment of traditional structures.
“But now, look at our institutions, there is no accountability,” he concluded.