Coasterreporters.com – Lagos, Nigeria | December 9, 2025
The Itsekiri Omoluabi Forum received notable recognition on Monday, December 8, 2025, as it participated in the high-level Security Stakeholders Summit held at the 10 Degrees Event Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.
The summit, themed “Towards a United Front Against Insecurity in Yorubaland,” was convened by the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, in collaboration with over 33 socio-political groups, traditional rulers, security experts, and civil society stakeholders.
Representing the Itsekiri Omoluabi Forum was distinguished media and cultural advocate Dr. Patrick Doyle, whose presence underscored the Forum’s growing role in regional dialogue, interethnic cooperation, and the defence of indigenous communities.
Itsekiri Issues Emerge Prominently in Communique
In a rare and significant gesture, the officially adopted communique highlighted the plight of Itsekiri communities in Warri, acknowledging the persistent threats and loss of ancestral territories due to hostile incursions.
The conference emphasized:
“The commitment of Yoruba people within and outside the South-West to the cause of our kinsmen, the Itsekiri people in Warri… and the urgent need for concerted effort to reclaim all Itsekiri communities already taken over by their adversaries.”
This recognition validates the continuous advocacy of the Itsekiri Omoluabi Forum, which has worked consistently to bring national attention to the security challenges facing the Itsekiri nation.
Summit Overview
The gathering featured respected speakers including:
Prof. Anthony Kila, Professor of Strategy and Development
Mr. Abiodun Ramon Oseni, former US Police Officer and US Army veteran
ACP (Rtd.) Barr. Joki Lasisi
Traditional rulers from Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Kwara, and Kogi States were present, alongside security analysts, religious leaders, academics, political figures, and youth organisations.
Among dignitaries in attendance were Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu (Emeritus), Senator Anthony Adefuye, Sheikh Abdulraheem Aduramigba, Dr. Patrick Doyle (representing the Itsekiri Omoluabi Forum), Hon. Shina Peller, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Doherty, MFR, and Dr. Oluwayomi Atte.
Key Resolutions Adopted
The communique adopted by the conference outlined decisive measures, including:
Establishment of state police across Yorubaland.
Full ban on open grazing and shift to ranching.
Strengthening welfare support for security operatives through an independent Security Welfare Fund.
Deployment of modern surveillance technologies, including drones and UAVs.
Support for foreign assistance to combat banditry and terrorism under defined terms.
Defensive solidarity with Middle Belt states experiencing violent attacks.
Constitutional roles for traditional rulers to enhance intelligence gathering.
Support for amendments prescribing death penalty for kidnappers and their enablers.
Agreement for organisations to meet twice monthly to share intelligence.
The resolutions were adopted following a motion by Sheikh Abdulraheem Aduanigba (Chief Imam of Yoruba in Ilorin), seconded by Chief (Mrs.) Bola Doherty.
The communique was signed by:
Prof. Kolawole Raheem
Chief Amitolu Shittu
Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland
Itsekiri Omoluabi Forum Reacts
The Itsekiri Omoluabi Forum has expressed gratitude for the explicit acknowledgment of the Itsekiri struggle in the summit’s resolutions.
In his representation, Dr. Patrick Doyle reaffirmed the Forum’s dedication to sustained advocacy, unity, and constructive collaboration with other ethnic nationalities in the pursuit of peace and justice.
He noted that the summit’s recognition of Itsekiri concerns marks a turning point in wider regional security cooperation.
Published by Coasterreporters.com
