The Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has called on Nigerian politicians to cease exploiting insecurity for political advantage. In a statement issued Tuesday in Osogbo by his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi described the practice as "political banditry" and expressed disappointment over the routine condemnation of government efforts without offering constructive alternatives.
He stressed that insecurity in Nigeria does not align with political, ethnic, or religious lines and noted that criminals do not target victims based on such affiliations. Oba Akanbi emphasized that victims of banditry come from all political backgrounds and that no administration can tackle security challenges without broad cooperation, including from opposition figures.
The traditional ruler urged political actors who genuinely care about Nigeria to support national security efforts rather than score partisan points. He specifically expressed hope that key opposition leaders would visit President Bola Tinubu to offer sympathy and practical solutions. "National security and cohesion should be prioritised above political interests," Oba Akanbi said. "The dignity of human lives lost to insecurity should not be subjected to political sentiment."
He reiterated that the politicisation of insecurity reflects political immaturity and insensitivity, adding, "I have not seen any justification for the politicisation of insecurity in Nigeria."
Oba Akanbi condemns politicians for calling insecurity a national crisis while refusing to engage in solutions. He labels them "political bandits" even as he appeals to those same figures to visit President Tinubu. If banditry ignores political alignment, then politicising it makes the victims' suffering a tool for power. His call exposes the emptiness of outrage that produces no action.
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