The Olubadan of Ibadanland and Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has encouraged eligible indigenes of Oyo State to take advantage of the ongoing nationwide police constable recruitment exercise.
He gave the advice while receiving the Chairman, All Police Matters and Representative of the South-West in the Police Service Commission, Deputy Inspector General of Police Tunde Lakanu, during a courtesy visit to the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, in Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.
The monarch, in a statement released by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, said: “The responsibilities of law enforcement agents are too important for society to ignore. Apart from apprehending and arresting offenders, the police are charged with the responsibility of maintaining law and order.
“Although as Olubadan, my primary jurisdiction covers 11 local government councils in Ibadanland, I will contact members of the Council of Obas and Chiefs to help spread the word across all zones in the State.
“I want to use this period to advise eligible indigenes in the state to take advantage of the ongoing Police Constable recruitment exercise to join the law enforcement agency,” he added.
He also pledged the support and cooperation of the Olubadan Advisory Council, line chiefs, Baales, Mogajis and Iyalodes in spreading the message.
Ladoja stressed that the role of the print, electronic and social media in matters like this could not be overemphasised, adding that they should be engaged regularly.
Earlier, DIG Lakanu told the monarch and members of the Olubadan Advisory Council that a nationwide recruitment exercise for 50,000 police constables was ongoing, urging all geopolitical zones to participate actively.
He, however, lamented the low response from the South-West to the exercise and solicited the support of the Olubadan and other traditional rulers in publicising the programme at the grassroots.
Lakanu, who was accompanied by the state Commissioner of Police, an Assistant Inspector General (AIG) and other senior police officers, also informed the royal fathers about the prospect of state police in Nigeria, noting that society stands to benefit more when it is implemented.
Members of the Olubadan Advisory Council present at the occasion included the Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande; Are Ago Balogun, Rear Admiral Adetokunbo Akintola (retd); and Ajiroba, Prof. Soji Adejumo, alongside top palace officials.