… Vows developmental growth for Okeigbo

… Sets up committee to boost education standards in community

The monarch of Okeigbo community in Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Council Area of Ondo State, the Oluoke of Okeigbo, Oba Felix Adeoye Akintoye, has called for a paradigm shift from a government-centric security apparatus to a community-driven framework as the solution to the increasing security challenges facing the country.

The traditional ruler stressed that reliance on state security agencies alone has proven inadequate, emphasising that grassroots participation remains the missing link in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency and anti-kidnapping efforts.

Oba Akintoye, who is the 18th traditional ruler of the community, stated this during a press briefing heralding week-long activities marking his coronation.

According to the monarch, traditional institutions are well positioned to lead such community-based security initiatives, disclosing that kidnappers and bandits thrive mainly because of an unholy alliance with local residents who provide intelligence, supplies, and safe havens.

While outlining an approach anchored on community education, regular orientation programmes, and active engagement of residents in neighbourhood security monitoring, the traditional ruler stated that security must cease to be viewed exclusively as government business but rather as a collective responsibility of everyone.

Oba Akintoye revealed that he has already commenced implementation of his security blueprint, having invited security experts to address the community’s monthly meeting.

The monarch, who has over three decades of experience in real estate, revealed plans to establish a housing estate in the community, disclosing that 100 acres of land have already been acquired for the first phase of the project.

Oba Akintoye also unveiled an ongoing assessment of primary schools across the kingdom, noting that a committee has been conducting physical inspections of infrastructure and student enrolment across all primary schools in the community.

“On the issue of development, yes, I’ve been doing real estate for a while, for over 30 years, and I’ve returned home now. And definitely, without mincing words, there is going to be a good estate in Okeigbo that I will start that rivals what we do in Lagos. A parcel of land has been acquired for the first phase of this, and that is about 100 acres of land for the first phase of the project.

“But probably I will not be able to give full disclosure of the project, but the rest are sure that very soon Okebobo will join the League of Community with more than an estate. And I’m conscious of the word more than the estate. Thank you.

“When we talk about security, it is the business of all of us, not just government. And it starts with the community. The bandits and kidnappers operate and live within a particular community. And for most kidnappings that happen, it happens because the local community is in collaboration,” the Oluoke states.

Also speaking, the chairman of the Central Working Group, High Chief Moshood Ogunlowo, disclosed that festivities will kick off with a football competition, with other activities lined up to build momentum toward the grand finale slated for April 25, which will be followed by a thanksgiving service on Sunday, 26th April 2026.

According to him, dignitaries from all walks of life, including the governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, among other top personalities, are expected to grace the occasion.

On her part, the former Education Secretary of the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Council, Abike Oludero, stated that the monarch with his track record will attract development to the community.

She said, “It is a thing that we have been praying for, and it is a thing of joy. He has shown leadership for a long time. He has company that he manages and has a lot of businesses. He is a lawyer and the president of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN).

“You can imagine somebody at that level; he will be able to handle developmental needs of the community. We thank God that he’s crowned and he is our king.”