The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II on Wednesday recieved the Osun State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Olayinka Joe Fadile, alongside other senior state officers of the agency at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare said the visit is a formal courtesy call aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the revered traditional institution and the anti-drug agency in its ongoing campaign against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Speaking during the visit, the NDLEA State Commander noted that he had been informed of the Ooni’s distinguished role as one of the agency’s decorated ambassadors. He described the Ooni Ogunwusi as a committed advocate in the fight against drug abuse and expressed his desire to sustain that relationship.
According to him, while the ambassadorial decoration is a one-time honour, the agency remains proud to identify with the Ooni’s contributions and moral support in advancing its mandate. He explained that his visit was primarily to pay homage to the royal father and to seek his continued royal blessings.
“This is essentially a courtesy visit,” the Commander stated, adding that the NDLEA deeply values the Ooni’s influence and leadership, particularly in mobilizing communities and youths toward positive change.
Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi appreciated the Commander and his team for their dedication to national service. He reiterated the need for sustained collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions to effectively combat drug abuse, especially among young people.
The Ooni pledged his continuous support for the NDLEA’s initiatives and assured the agency of the cooperation of traditional rulers within his domain. He emphasized that protecting society from the dangers of illicit drugs is a collective responsibility requiring moral guidance, community engagement, and firm enforcement.
The Ooni concluded the visit with prayers for the Commander and his officers, seeking divine protection, wisdom, and success in their operations, as well as peace and stability across Osun State and Nigeria at large.