Obafemi Owode – August 26, 2025 – The Executive Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Amb. Adesina ‘Lanre Ogunsola, FCPA, has issued a directive to security agencies to intensify the fight against drug peddlers across the council area. He stated that the rising number of youths engaging in drug abuse is alarming and poses a significant threat to the nation’s future, countering the government’s plans to secure a better life for all citizens.
The Council boss raised concerns about the high level of social decadence, noting that many youths have become uncontrollable in the act of drug abuse and thuggery, which has contributed to unrest in some parts of the council area.
He urged the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to immediately act, revealing that the local government has provided two locations for the take-off of operations in Mowe and Ibafo respectively.
Similarly, Amb. Ogunsola commended the good work of the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of Mowe, Owode, Ibafo, Redeemed Camp, and Warewa for maintaining peace and order across the council area.
He recalled a series of arrests and prosecutions of unscrupulous elements in some perceived red spots, which he said has brought about relative peace in the towns and villages of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.
He further requested Traditional Rulers, Baales, and religious leaders to work with security agencies by providing necessary support and information to help flush out bad eggs, particularly the drug peddlers who reside in the communities and those who use public schools as hideouts for perpetrating evil.
“This call is a national assignment which requires all security agencies to work together, as it is a directive from His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON. Whether federal, state, or local government, we must all work together to achieve success,” Ogunsola stated.
He also assured those present of the government’s support in maintaining a society free of drugs and other illicit acts.
In her response, ACN Adebunola Sokoya, Deputy Area Commander of the NDLEA Remo Command, acknowledged the importance of the assignment. She cited the fast-spreading rate at which youths are being exposed to substances these days and assured the command’s readiness to flush out all the hideouts of drug peddlers.
She, however, promised to work with all stakeholders, noting that narcotics pose a serious threat to lives and societal existence.
HRH Oba Qasim Alabi Alayande, the Olu of Ibafo, thanked the government for taking decisive action to clamp down on the spread of hard drugs among youths in the community.
He further assured the palace’s support and cooperation with the NDLEA, Police Force, and other security agencies in achieving a local government free of narcotics and other related drug abuses.
Others present at the meeting included DSN Bashar Hassan of the NDLEA Area Command, CSP Atteh Ajayi (DPO Ibafo Division), CSP Olatujoye Akinwande (DPO Owode-Egba Division), CSP Folake Afeniforo (DPO Mowe Division), Mr. Nurudeen Okunade (DSS Local Government Security Chief), Baales, the Head of Local Administration Ms. Olufunke Adeniji, Directors, and others.
Reports by: Ibikunle’Kayode.
