By Benny News Hub | December 9, 2025 | Lagos
The Oyo State Chapter of the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society of Nigeria was among key traditional and grassroots organisations present yesterday at the Security Stakeholders’ Summit convened by the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, in Ikeja, Lagos.
The summit, held at the 10 Degrees Event Centre, brought together Yoruba elders, security strategists, community leaders and cultural institutions to deliberate on the rising wave of kidnappings, banditry, and violent attacks across the South-West.
Agbekoya Oyo Delegation Attends in Full Strength
Representing the Oyo State Governor of Agbekoya Farmers’ Society, Chief Ashagidigbi Olatunde Bello, was the Deputy Governor of the association,
Chief Ifasakin Ajibola Akere, who led the state delegation.
Also in attendance were:
Chief Ademola Ojolowo, Oyo State Commandant, Agbekoya Farmers' Society of Nigeria.
Chief Nurudeen Oladimeji Agbomeji, Youth Leader, Agbekoya from the national body based Oyo State
Their participation underscored Agbekoya’s historic and ongoing role as both a farmers’ movement and a community-rooted security structure dating as far back as 1938, with heightened prominence during the 1967/68 resistance against oppressive taxation.
Gani Adams Raises Alarm Over Escalating Insecurity
In his keynote address, Iba Gani Adams expressed deep concern over what he described as the disturbing ease with which criminals invade Yoruba communities:
> “I find it difficult to comprehend this open insult that some groups will invade Yorubaland at will—kidnap, rape, and in some cases kill our sons and daughters,”
he lamented.
He criticised years of slow response to security threats, stressing that Yoruba land cannot continue to be “endangered in the hands of killers.”
Adams revealed how previous attempts to collaborate with state governments did not receive timely attention, yet noted the sudden urgency displayed by authorities after external pressure from global powers.
Expert Speakers Call for Decentralised Security Framework
The summit featured high-level presentations, including:
Mr. Abiodun Ramon Oseni, U.S. Army veteran & security analyst
Topic: Kidnapping and Banditry in Broader Perspective
Prof. Anthony A. Killa, strategist & development expert
Topic: Strategies for Combating Insecurity in Yorubaland
Discussant:
ACP (Barr.) Joki Lasisi (Rtd.)
Distinguished Yoruba leaders such as Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Oba Oladipo Olaitan (Alaago of Kajola Ijesaland), Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi, and Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu also graced the event.
Agbekoya Reiterates Commitment to Forest Security and Protection of Farmers
The Agbekoya Oyo State delegation used the summit to restate the society’s readiness to partner with security agencies and state governments to secure forests, protect farmlands, and strengthen community-based intelligence networks.
Deputy Governor Chief Ifasakin Ajibola Akere, speaking on behalf of Chief Ashagidigbi Olatunde Bello, affirmed Agbekoya’s capacity to support regional security efforts:
> “Agbekoya has always been at the forefront of protecting our people, our farms, and our forests. We stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to reclaim our land from invaders.”
A Unified Yoruba Front Against Insecurity
The summit ended with a strong call for renewed collaboration between traditional institutions, local vigilance structures, farmer associations like Agbekoya, and formal security agencies.
Agbekoya’s presence at the summit further reinforces its position not only as a historic farmers’ movement, but also as a critical grassroots force in the struggle to secure the South-West.
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