INSECURITY: TRADITIONAL RULERS NEED TO DO MORE – EDO LAWMAKER 22-05-25
By Sadiq Aminu The member representing Akoko-Edo One Constituency in Edo State House of Assembly, Prince Yekini Idaiye has charged traditional rulers to do more in curbing insecurity in rural areas.
Prince Idaiye gave the charge while speaking with Africa 247 in Benin City, on the rising wave of criminal activities, especially in remote communities.
He raised serious concerns about the growing insecurity in rural areas, urging traditional rulers to do their best to curb the ugly trend, and should not be seen contributing to the security challenge through their actions.
He decried actions of some traditional leaders who accept royalties and patronages from questionable characters and groups, stressing that such actions could indirectly worsen insecurity in rural areas.
Responding to questions on what steps he has taken as a lawmaker to ensure the safety of his constituents, Prince Idaiye emphasised that security is a collective responsibility of all.
“People are now scared to go to farm and to travel on our roads. It is as terrible as that.”
” Personally, I have made efforts to contribute to the security network in my constituency. I purchased a Sienna bus and two motorcycles to support local security efforts,” he said.
The lawmaker also stated that he had been collaborating closely with the Edo State Security Network and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in his constituency, as well as local vigilante groups, to curb the rising insecurity.
Prince Idaiye further expressed dissatisfaction with the role some traditional rulers were playing in the security situation.
“I’ve said it on the floor of the House, even as recently as two weeks ago that traditional rulers must be held accountable for what is happening in our communities,” he stressed.
“In many places across my constituency, these leaders collect royalties, including cows and other gifts, from outsiders and bandits who have now outnumbered the indigenous populations.
“This kind of relationship is dangerous and promotes insecurity.”
He cited several communities, including Sasaro, Eshawa, and Ekor, where herders now outnumber the local residents.
Prince Idaiye appealed to traditional leaders to do whatever they could to ensure security of lives and property in their respective communities.
“We will keep engaging them. They must stop accommodating these criminal elements,” he said.
He also called on the media to play an active role in sensitising the public and traditional institutions on the dangers of supporting or ignoring insecurity.
“We all have a role to play, the lawmakers, traditional rulers, the police, vigilantes, and the media. We must work together to restore peace and security to our communities.” he added.