Delta CP Oyeniyi Courts Traditional Rulers, Legislators For Security Overhaul

Rita Enemuru, Reporting

IN a concerted push to deepen community policing across Delta State, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has embarked on back-to-back courtesy visits to two of the state’s most influential institutions — the palace of the Asagba of Asaba and the Delta State House of Assembly.

The engagements, which took place on June 1 and June 2 respectively, align with the Inspector-General of Police’s directive on strengthening partnerships between the police and critical stakeholders.

Royal Partnership for Community Safety

CP Oyeniyi began his stakeholder tour at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, Asagba of Asaba, where he sought to deepen collaboration between the Command and the traditional institution.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception since his assumption of duty, the CP described traditional rulers as “critical partners in maintaining peace and security,” and pledged the Command’s readiness to sustain a productive relationship with the palace.

He reiterated the police force’s primary mandate of protecting lives and property while assuring the monarch of robust disciplinary mechanisms to ensure professionalism among personnel.

In his response, the Asagba congratulated CP Oyeniyi on his appointment and delivered a memorable declaration: “Peace is the greatest industry in Asaba, and we are prepared to do everything to keep it that way.”

The revered monarch advocated for community policing, stressing that crime is best addressed at the local level through active citizen participation and intelligence sharing.

Legislative Backing for Security Reform

The following day, the Commissioner took his engagement to the Delta State House of Assembly, where he sought legislative support for the Command’s security objectives.

CP Oyeniyi specifically called for laws that would expedite the prosecution of drug traffickers and other criminal offenders, noting that crimes in riverine and rural communities — though often localised — pose significant threats to development.

“Rural communities remain the backbone of the nation’s economy and therefore deserve adequate security attention,” the CP stated.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, welcomed the Commissioner and expressed confidence in his ability to deliver on his mandate. The Speaker pledged the legislature’s readiness to address challenges including drug abuse, cultism, and other forms of criminality through robust legislative backing.

Both visits concluded with mutual commitments to sustained cooperation, as CP Oyeniyi continues to build bridges across Delta State’s key institutions in his first weeks on the job.