Commissioner of Police Lagos state, CP Adegoke Fayoade meets with Igbo traditional leaders to foster security in the state
Igbo-speaking Community leaders synergize with the Nigerian Police to foster security in Lagos
By Onome Naomi
Igbo traditional leaders in Lagos paid a courtesy visit to the office of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, on June 14, 2024, to pledge their support to curb crime and criminality in the state.
The move was made by Igbo leaders consisting of ‘Ezes’ in Lagos to synergize with the police in a bid to promote security in the state and foster cordial relationships by familiarising themselves with CP Adegoke Fayoade, Police Commissioner of Lagos State.
Igbo traditional rulers who attended the solidarity conference with CP Adegoke Fayoade include Chief Sunday Udeh, president of the Igbo-speaking community in Lagos, Eze Dr. CC Nwokedi, Eze Ndigbo Ijegun Ijeododo, Chairman Council of Ndieze Igbo Lagos, Eze Amb. Dr. Ferdinand Aguneke, Esq. Eze Ndigbo Eredo LCDA, Epe, Gen. Secretary Council of Ndieze Lagos, Eze Charles Emesim, Eze Ndigbo Oke Afa/Ejigbo LCDA, Treasurer Council of Ndieze Lagos, Eze Uche Omeiheoma, Eze Ndigbo Lekki LCDA, welfare officer council of Ndieze Lagos, Eze John Nwoche, Eze Ndigbo Ojodu, ex-officio council of Ndieze Lagos, Eze Stephen Agabiga, Eze Ndigbo Bariga, Eze Emeka Onuoha, and Eze Ndigbo Igbo-Elerin Eze E. Chukwukadibia, Eze Ndigbo Oriade, Eze Chukwuakalika Emmanuel, Eze Ndigbo Oriade, and Eze Justice Enujuba Eze Ndigbo Apapa, Eze Ifeanyi Nwagwu, Eze Ndigbo Kosofe, Chief Engr. Chukwuka Odimegwu, Secretary General of the Igbo-speaking community in Lagos, and others…
Eze Chika Nwokedi, Ezendigbo Ijegun Ijeododo, Chairman Council of ‘Ndieze’ appreciated the presence of the Commissioner of Police for recognising the value of Igbo leaders in Lagos State, which has served as a prompter to convene a conference as observed.
During the introduction of traditional leaders in attendance at the tet-a-tet discussion with CP Adegoke Fayoade, the Secretary of the Council of Ezes in Lagos State Eze Amb. Dr. Ferdinand Aguneke, Esq. noted that the Igbo leaders in attendance were delighted to meet with the CP to discuss security matters, for he is a detribalized Nigerian by virtue.
Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Adegoke Fayoade, in his speech, appreciated the chairman of the council of ‘Ndi Ezes’ in Lagos, HRH Dr. Chika Nwokedi, for coordinating the convergence of the meeting, as he also appreciated the Igbo traditional rulers in attendance. He says that in solidarity and unity, regardless of tribal differences, everyone should focus on creating a good society, especially by promoting security in the state.
The CP noted that his career as a police officer started in Aba, revealing that his experience has led him to understand that the easterners are welcoming and accommodating with no form of discrimination, irrespective of tribal differences. Hence, it is imperative to recognise that the Igbos are known for their hard work and have contributed so much to the progress of the country.
According to CP Adegoke Fayoade, a crime- and criminality-free state is beneficial to indigens and non-indigene of the state. He urged Igbo leaders to be proactive by giving viable information about criminal elements in their immediate and business environs in synergy with the police, for all tip-offs will be treated as confidential. The police, he says, might not be able to reach out to all the nooks and crannies in Lagos, but as traditional leaders, a collaboration to promote security will decrease the spate of crime and criminality in the state. Criminal elements will be forced to relocate as they do not want to be caught.
The CP, in conclusion, commended the royal highnesses for their readiness to team up with the police by giving discreet information to rid the state of crime, which will aid economic activities without fear of insecurity. Buying and selling will improve, and enterprises will expand when the area is free of criminal elements. Pledges support and utmost cooperation with Igbo traditional leaders in Lagos.
HRH Dr Chika Nwokedi, the chairman of the council of ‘Ndieze’ in Lagos, commended the CP for showing solidarity with Igbo leaders as he enlightened on matters traditional rulers can handle, which include civil matters and humanitarian services, not criminal issues. Advises Igbo leaders to support the Nigerian Police, especially those in their jurisdiction of reign, such as the Divisional Police Officers, Area commanders and Commissioner of Police to ease policing.
Eze Chika also urged ‘Ezes’ to ensure security in their areas of leadership by reporting criminal acts of persons suspected of breaching the law. He particularly warned that airing Igbo leaders should not misuse the opportunity of the meeting with the CP to commit atrocities and call for a cover-up. He described the act as an insult to the office of the commissioner of police, and as such, airing leaders should be apprehended and charged accordingly. Implore CP Adegoke Fayoade to investigate when matters of Ezes are reported; some issues reported, he says, are fabricated or blown out of proportion.
The President of the Igbo-speaking community, Chief Sunday Udeh, congratulated CP Adegoke Fayoade on his appointment as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State. In a congratulatory letter, Chief Udeh stated that Ndigbo spread across the 57 local governments in Lagos appreciate CP Adegoke Fayoade’s service to humanity
