Adams
By Omowale Mercy
Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, told Channels Television that if the National Assembly passes and the president signs the state‑police bill, Nigeria’s insecurity could be “solved within six months.” He stressed that all six geopolitical zones now back the idea, including northern governors and emirs, and that the only remaining hurdle is the legislative step.
He pointed out that the insecurity wave has already spilled into the South‑West, citing attacks in Kwara and Kogi that have left Yoruba communities feeling vulnerable. Adams warned that without swift action, the country could face a nationwide security collapse within months, describing the threat as “alarming” and “spreading like wildfire”
To tackle the crisis, Adams called for a unified security architecture in the South‑West, urging the creation of a Yoruba Security Coordination Framework, regular stakeholder meetings, and a joint intelligence‑sharing system. He said collaboration among vigilantes, state agencies, traditional rulers and civil society is essential to stop the fragmentation that has hampered rapid response.
He lamented that his proposals have been met with silence from the South‑West governors, noting that he wrote to them twice—once in February and again in November—without receiving a reply. Adams warned that ignoring his warnings could lead to “genocide” against Yoruba people and that the government’s inaction is forcing community groups to consider acting without official backing.
The push for state police is already gaining traction in the National Assembly, where a bill to move policing from the exclusive to the concurrent list has passed a second reading. Lawmakers argue the reform would allow states to address local security challenges more effectively, though some express concerns about governors misusing the new powers.
In the meantime, Adams is urging Yoruba citizens to stay vigilant, build local intelligence networks, and support a possible Southwest Security Summit. He also hinted that foreign assistance—particularly from the United States—might become necessary if the federal government continues to lag behind. The consensus, he says, is clear: without state police and coordinated regional effort, the country risks a prolonged security nightmare.
