The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday tasked the newly appointed Commissioner of Police for Osun, Ibrahim Zungura, on healthy collaboration with traditional rulers and communities leaders in order ensure effective security of the state.

He emphasised that sustenance of cooperation with monarchs of various towns and communities by heads of security agencies in the state is germane to guarantee safety, peace and tranquility.

Oba Ogunwusi, who gave the charge while receiving Zungura during a visit to his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, noted that maintaining peace in the state would require sustained cooperation among the police, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders in the security sector.

While contending that security agencies could not effectively tackle insecurity without the active cooperation and support of communities, the monarch advised Zungura to foster strong relationships with community leaders across the state.

A statement by Ooni’s director media and public affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare, quoted Oba Ogunwusi to have  described the CP’s visit as a demonstration of his willingness to collaborate with traditional institutions.

The monarch recalled that the security challenges which confronted Osun in recent months, most especially before and after the 2026 governorship election, culminated in the leadership change of the state police command.

According to the statement, “I want to thank you for your strong will and energy to come and pay homage ever since you resumed in Osun. We know that things are just calming down in Osun, from election to changing the CP, and handing over, trying to douse the tension, pre-election and post-election. You have been busy. We want to thank you.

“We are just for peace and nothing but peace. We want good structure. Whenever there is peace, there will be development.”

Ooni Ogunwusi urged CP Zungura to cultivate close relationships with community leaders and other responsible stakeholders, stressing that traditional institutions could provide effective partnership in the fight against crime and insecurity.

He added that communities possess valuable information about local developments and individuals, which could assist security agencies in preventing crimes and resolving security challenges.

“The truth be told, in every community, we have the good and the bad. If you work with them, they will lead you to the right path and they will let your work be so easy,” Oba Ogunwusi posited.

Earlier in his remark, Zungura, who is the 29th Commissioner of Police in Osun State, expressed appreciation to the Ooni for receiving him, pointing out that his visit was informed by the longstanding historical relationship between Kano and Ile-Ife.

The Kano-born police officer said he grew up hearing about the Ooni of Ife and subsequently learnt more about the historical relationship between the Kano Emirate and the Ooni’s Palace.

“I grew up in Kano knowing about Ooni of Ife. When I grew up further, I realised that there is a bold relationship between the Kano Palace and Ooni of Ife Palace,” Zungura said.