“Security of the Southwest, Particularly Amuwo-Odofin, Is Our Priority” — Chief Oludare Adesope

ALG360NEWS INTERVIEW

“Security of the Southwest, Particularly Amuwo-Odofin, Is Our Priority” — Chief Oludare Adesope

Alaga360News spoke with the President of the Odua People’s Congress Reformed, Chief Oludare Adesope, at the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Security Summit held on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Chief Adesope stressed the importance of collective responsibility in securing the Southwest, with particular emphasis on Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, describing effective collaboration between community stakeholders and security agencies as critical to combating criminality.

ALG360NEWS: Chief, what is your assessment of the Amuwo-Odofin Security Summit?

Chief Oludare Adesope:
This is a very important and timely summit. Security is everybody’s responsibility, and I believe bringing together the government, police, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders is a positive step.

For us at the Odua People’s Congress Reformed, the security of the Southwest, and particularly Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, is a priority.

Amuwo-Odofin is a very important and highly cosmopolitan community. People from different parts of Nigeria and beyond live and conduct their businesses here. Therefore, maintaining peace and security in this environment is extremely important.

ALG360NEWS: How prepared is the OPC Reformed to support security efforts in Amuwo-Odofin?

Chief Oludare Adesope:
We are ready to work with the Nigeria Police Force and other legitimate security agencies.

Our responsibility is not to take over the duties of the police. Rather, we want to complement their efforts through responsible community engagement, vigilance and the provision of credible information.

We believe that when the community and security agencies work together, it becomes much more difficult for criminals to operate successfully.

ALG360NEWS: What is your message concerning criminal activities in Amuwo-Odofin?

Chief Oludare Adesope:
Our message is very clear: criminal elements should not see Amuwo-Odofin as a place where they can operate freely.

We are prepared to support the police in identifying and confronting criminal activities. But everything must be done within the law.

We do not support jungle justice or people taking the law into their own hands. When credible information is obtained, it should be channelled to the appropriate security authorities for necessary action.

ALG360NEWS: Why do you think community-police collaboration is important?

Chief Oludare Adesope:
The police cannot be everywhere at every moment. The people are present in their communities every day.

Residents can notice unusual movements, suspicious activities and other developments that may be relevant to security. If there is proper communication between the people and the police, such information can assist security agencies in preventing crimes before they occur.

That is why this summit is significant. We need continuous engagement, not just meetings after something has happened.

ALG360NEWS: Does your commitment stop at Amuwo-Odofin?

Chief Oludare Adesope:
No. Our vision is broader. We are concerned about the security of the entire Southwest.

But Amuwo-Odofin is particularly important because of its strategic location, population and cosmopolitan character. If we can strengthen security collaboration here, it can serve as a model for other communities across Lagos and the Southwest.

ALG360NEWS: What would you like to see from government and the security agencies?

Chief Oludare Adesope:
We want stronger collaboration, better communication and adequate support for the security agencies.

The government must continue to provide the police and other security agencies with the necessary logistics and resources. At the same time, the security agencies must continue to engage the communities and traditional institutions.

Security should be proactive. We should not wait until criminals strike before we respond.

ALG360NEWS: Finally, what is your message to residents of Amuwo-Odofin?

Chief Oludare Adesope:
My message is that security is a collective responsibility.

Let residents remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. Let community leaders continue to engage the police, and let the police also maintain an open channel of communication with the people.

The Odua People’s Congress Reformed is ready to play its part.

The security of the Southwest, particularly Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, is a priority, and we are ready to work with the police and other legitimate security agencies to rid our communities of criminal elements and make our environment safer for everyone.

ALG360NEWS: Thank you, Chief.

Chief Oludare Adesope: Thank you.