Alaafin Backs Marwa’s War on Drugs During Visit to NDLEA HQ

Oba Abimbola Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, has pledged to assist and work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat drug misuse in the nation.

During a courtesy visit to Marwa at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja on Friday, the esteemed traditional ruler led two other royal fathers: Olusin of Ijara Isin, Oba Ademola Julius Ajibola, and Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Olaniyan Olatoye.

Brig Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), the Chairman of the NDLEA, was given a renewed mission to combat substance misuse and illicit drug trafficking, and the monarch promised him assistance and cooperation.

“To be kind with you, we are proud of you,” he says. It is not by accident that you are in this position right now; rather, it is a result of your commitment and dedication. You’re such a friendly person. You have always been a performer, which is why you are able to lead Lagos State and Borno. The legacy of Keke Marwa that you brought to Nigeria is another aspect of you that I will always remember.

In direct response to the NDLEA chief’s request that traditional leaders assist the nation’s ongoing efforts to combat drug misuse, the Alaafin pledged to organize his peers to collaborate with the Agency.

“I’ve heard your message, and several of my traditional rulers and colleagues here are also prepared to work with you. I must admit that we are at the grassroots level and have close ties to the locals. We have a thorough understanding of the situation. I’m using this chance to let you know that we are prepared. We are more than happy to collaborate with you and provide you with all the assistance you need to succeed in this position. We can assure you that we will always be available to you in times of need,” Oba Owoade said.

Marwa congratulated the Alaafin on taking his ancestors’ throne in his welcome speech. He accused him and other traditional leaders nationwide of using their local power to collaborate with NDLEA to eradicate drug usage in communities.

According to him, “nearly 15 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 use drugs, according to the drug use survey report of 2018. The drug scourge in Nigeria is at an unacceptable limit.” It’s a serious issue, and President Tinubu has ordered us to take action, combat the drug problem, apprehend the traffickers, prosecute them, and confiscate their property. And because conventional institutions are so crucial to this responsibility, we would like to call on them.

Nigerians hold traditional institutions in high regard. No matter who you are in Nigeria, you still have a place of origin. When you return to that location, you honor the community leader. As a result, the traditional leader’s words have weight. We also urge traditional authorities to actively advocate against drug usage by engaging the religious leaders in charge of the churches and mosques in their respective domains. The NDLEA is always ready to collaborate with the conventional organization.

Because drug traffickers pose a threat to many young people and their families, he said the Agency will also value information from traditional leaders on drug dealers in local areas.

“We truly value this partnership, and I can assure you that if we are able to curb drug use, even criminal activity will decrease because all kidnappers, insurgents, terrorists, and bandits use drugs to get high,” he continued.

He thanked Alaafin for the visit and wished him a long and prosperous reign filled with health, peace, growth, and prosperity for the entire Oyo Kingdom.