June 12: Ooni Demands Total War on Insecurity, Urges National Unity

​ILE-IFE – As Nigeria commemorated Democracy Day on Friday, June 12, 2026, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, issued a compelling call to action, urging the Federal Government to significantly intensify its offensive against banditry, kidnappings, and the systemic insecurity plaguing the nation.

​The revered monarch emphasized that democratic governance can only yield tangible dividends for its citizens when anchored on an unshakeable foundation of peace, absolute security, and justice.

​In a comprehensive state-of-the-art address released through his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, the Ooni expressed deep concern over how persistent criminal activities continue to fracture national peace and stall socioeconomic development. He asserted that safeguarding the lives and properties of Nigerians must remain the non-negotiable, topmost priority of leadership at all levels.

​”Democracy thrives best in an atmosphere of peace, security, and justice,” Oba Ogunwusi stated. “As we celebrate another Democracy Day, I urge governments at all levels to intensify the fight against insecurity and banditry. The protection of lives and property must remain a top priority.”

​Overhauling the Security Architecture

​Acknowledging the complex security realities across geopolitical zones—underscored by recent high-profile tragedies including the lingering hostage crisis of abducted school children and teachers in Oyo State—the Ooni called for an immediate, aggressive overhaul of the nation’s defense frameworks.

​The traditional ruler advocated for a multi-pronged approach, specifically demanding:

• ​Enhanced Intelligence Gathering: Moving from reactive measures to proactive, intelligence-led operations.

• ​Modern Equipment Support: Ensuring that frontline security operatives are fully equipped with state-of-the-art tactical assets to match and overpower criminal syndicates.

• ​Judicial Accountability: Swiftly prosecuting arrested perpetrators of criminal acts to serve as a definitive deterrent.

​Despite these daunting trials, the Ooni urged the public not to lose faith in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Acknowledging the frustration gripping many households due to interconnected economic and security pressures, he reminded citizens that nation-building demands collective sacrifice, patience, and absolute cooperation between the leaders and the led.

​Synergy with the Center

​The Ooni’s royal charge aligned with a decisive, parallel warning issued on Friday by President Bola Tinubu in his own national Democracy Day broadcast. The President declared a security emergency, announcing that the administration’s N5.41 trillion 2026 defense budget—the largest in national history—is actively funding the recruitment of over 50,000 new police and military personnel. President Tinubu issued an ultimatum to terrorists and their financial sponsors to surrender or face the full, unbridled force of the state.

​Addressing this governance dynamic, Oba Ogunwusi noted that “no responsible government would deliberately wish insecurity upon its own territory,” explaining that grassroots stability is fundamental to broader national survival.

​A Call to Defeat Divisiveness

​Beyond tactical warfare, the Ooni identified internal cohesion as Nigeria’s ultimate shield. He strongly cautioned citizens against weaponizing ethnic, religious, or political differences, urging Nigerians to view the country’s vast diversity as an economic and social powerhouse rather than a fault line for friction.

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​”Together, we can overcome these difficulties and build a safer and more prosperous nation,” the monarch noted, calling on all citizens to actively support ongoing, lawful efforts to restore peace to vulnerable communities.

​Oba Ogunwusi concluded the commemorative address by offering solemn prayers for the wisdom of Nigeria’s political leaders, divine protection for military and paramilitary personnel risking their lives on the frontline, and an enduring era of stability and progress for the Federal Republic.

​To gain a deeper perspective on how these security challenges intersect with the core principles of Nigeria’s governance, watch this analytical review on Democracy Under Pressure, which examines the unfulfilled promises of the June 12 struggle and the institutional steps required to secure public trust.