Daily Security Tips That Train Your Thinking
Series #38: Traditional Rulers as First Contact in Checkmating Crime
Our culture and traditions in this part of the world are rich and well-structured. Anyone who aligns their way of life with these values, respects them, and follows them appropriately will hardly fall into ignorance or become helpless in the face of challenges, whether organized or unexpected.
A culture is truly rich when it allows individuals to choose lawful activities freely, as long as the ultimate goal is peace and harmony. Our mode of expression is part of our culture. Coming together to fight vices and repel attacks reflects a culture of peace. Paying attention to happenings around us and thinking ahead are qualities that identify great minds at all times.
The Obas, the Alayeluwas of the past, occupied highly respected positions of authority and could give commands that shaped events and influenced direction within their domains. This reflected their strength in local intelligence gathering and their effective control over activities and occurrences in their communities.
This piece serves as a reminder to the custodians of our culture and traditions that they possess all the support needed to maintain peace within their various domains. They are blessed with strong sons and daughters who are deeply rooted in the African philosophy of defense and fortification. The strength of security structures within their kingdoms should be activated and sustained for the promotion of peace and stability.
Aside from this, the Baale in every community serves as the Chief Security Officer of that community. He is installed to serve as the eye of the Kabiyesi and to support the coordination of community affairs. The Baale is also expected to gather useful intelligence on crime and criminal activities, ensuring that everyone living within the community is properly identified, documented, and reported to the Kabiyesi when necessary for proactive action.
Today, however, some Obas are unable to perform their expected roles effectively for several reasons, including but not limited to the following:
i. The limitations imposed by national laws and the constitution
ii. The shift of interest toward land-related matters instead of the protection of lives and property
The foremost personality in our towns and villages remains the Oba, whose voice the government readily listens to. Traditional rulers must therefore use their influence and authority to help rescue society from the insecurity threatening our peace and stability.
A security-minded individual rises in unity to defend his territory in times of calamity.
Just be good. Reflect. Stay alert.
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