By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
In a decisive move to safeguard lives and property ahead of the festive season, the Ijebu North Local Government has rolled out far-reaching security measures following a well-attended Peace and Security Summit held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Local Government Secretariat, Ijebu-Igbo.
The summit, convened by the Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, Hon. (Dr) Bolaji Odusanya, brought together an extensive cross-section of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths, women groups, artisans, market men and women, transport unions, security agencies, political office holders, private sector representatives, and community development associations. Also present were elected and appointed officials at the Federal, State, and Local Government levels from across the Local Government Area.
Speaking through the communiqué issued at the conclusion of the summit, participants unanimously agreed that security is a collective responsibility that requires the active involvement of all residents. The gathering emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and deliberate support for both conventional and non-conventional security formations to enhance their operational effectiveness through adequate logistics and resources.
A major highlight of the resolutions is the establishment of an Ijebu North Security Trust Fund, with stakeholders across the Local Government urged to contribute towards funding security operations. An account is to be opened immediately to support this initiative, underscoring the summit’s resolve to take ownership of local security challenges.
In a bid to curb criminal activities during the festive period, the summit announced restrictions on the movement of motorcycles (okada) and tricycles between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., effective from Monday, December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Enforcement agencies have been mandated to arrest and prosecute operators found covering number plates or concealing their identities with face masks.
The sale and use of fireworks, including knockouts and bangers, were also banned until further notice, with defaulters to face arrest and prosecution. Similarly, unauthorized gatherings, vigils, carnivals, and social events beyond 8:00 p.m. have been prohibited, except where palace and police approvals are obtained for night or overnight events.
Parents and guardians were strongly advised to caution their wards to comply strictly with the newly introduced security directives, while residents were encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities in line with the principle of “see something, say something.”
To deepen grassroots engagement, the summit resolved to constitute a Security Awareness Team comprising religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth and women associations, security chiefs, Local Government executives, and private sector representatives. The team will sensitize residents through visits to religious centres, schools, markets, and other public spaces.
Other resolutions include the clearing of bushy areas and abandoned buildings within seven days of the release of the communiqué, sanctions against transport operators who flout park regulations or engage in drinking and driving, and strict action against the sale of drugs and alcohol within and around motor parks.
The summit commended the Council Chairman, Hon. (Dr) Bolaji Odusanya, alongside Hon. Segun Kaka, Hon. Rasheed Kashamu, and other donors for their financial contributions to the Security Trust Fund. Traditional rulers (Oba-in-Council), security agencies, and the people of Ijebu North were also praised for their sustained commitment to peace and cooperation.
In a show of appreciation and advocacy, the summit lauded the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his developmental strides in Ijebu North Local Government. Participants respectfully appealed for further support in critical areas such as job creation, total rehabilitation of the Ijebu North General Hospital, and the reconstruction of key roads, including those linking Chips Junction in Ago-Iwoye through Mini Campus and Palace to Oru Town, Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Ijebu-Igbo, the General Hospital Road, and other dilapidated roads within the Local Government.
As the festive season approaches, the resolutions from the Ijebu North Peace and Security Summit signal a firm, community-driven commitment to peace, order, and sustainable development—sending a clear message that security in Ijebu North is everyone’s business.
