Ika Weekly Newspaper

Owa Monarch Receives New Divisional Police Officer, Assures Support for Effective Policing

Ika Weekly Newspaper

The revered monarch of Owa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obi Dr. Emmanuel O. Efeizomor II, JP, OON, on Thursday, June 4, 2026, received the newly posted Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Nigeria Police Force, Owa-Oyibu Divisional Headquarters, CSP Chidozie Okebukwu, during a courtesy visit to the royal palace in Owa-Oyibu, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.

The visit formed part of the new DPO's familiarization tour aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between the police and key stakeholders within the division.

Speaking during the visit, CSP Okebukwu explained that the engagement was in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Oyeniyi Yemi John, mandating Divisional Police heads to interface with traditional rulers, community leaders, opinion molders, and other security stakeholders in their areas of jurisdiction.

According to him, "My name is CSP Chidozie Okebukwu, the current DPO of Owa-Oyibu Division. This is a familiarization visit because the Commissioner of Police instructed us to move around and meet stakeholders, security stakeholders, opinion molders, and community leaders in the various communities where we serve. That is the essence of our visit today—to identify with the monarch of Owa Kingdom."

He expressed appreciation to the monarch for the warm reception and assurances of support.

"The Obi received us warmly and assured us that he will assist and support us so that our work here will be easier. Our main aim is to fight all forms of criminality within Owa-Oyibu Division, and we are not going to relent. With the support of His Royal Majesty and members of his cabinet, we will do our best. That is our promise," he stated.

CSP Okebukwu also commended the monarch's wisdom, knowledge, and leadership qualities.

"The monarch is an easy-going man and very well-versed. From all indications, he is a man of deep knowledge who can lecture and educate. We have learned one or two things from him within the short period we have spent with him. I pray that God will continue to establish his kingdom, grant him good health, and prosper him," he added.

Monarch Assures Support, Advocates Stronger Community Policing

Responding, Obi Dr. Emmanuel O. Efeizomor II welcomed the new DPO to Owa-Oyibu, Owa Kingdom, and Ika North East Local Government Area, assuring him of the palace's full support in the discharge of his duties.

The royal father noted that the kingdom had received several Divisional Police Officers over the years and expressed optimism that the new DPO would contribute positively to maintaining peace and security within the division.

"Firstly, I want to welcome you to Owa-Oyibu, Owa Kingdom, and Ika North East Local Government Area. We have continued to receive new DPOs posted to us, and we are happy to have you take charge of the Owa-Oyibu Divisional Headquarters.

"We acknowledge your responsibilities. We have worked with many officers in the past. We do not rush to say a police officer is very good or very bad. Time will always tell. What is important is that you do your work professionally and in the interest of justice."

The monarch reflected on the rich history of Owa Kingdom, describing the palace as an enduring institution that has stood for centuries and witnessed significant growth and transformation.

"This palace has been in existence since 1219 and has witnessed many ups and downs. Our community has produced distinguished men and women who have excelled in various sectors of national life, including public service, security, and academics. We will continue to support the police because security is everybody's business."

Obi Efeizomor commended the growing emphasis on community policing in Nigeria, describing it as a welcome development that encourages grassroots participation in security management.

"I am happy that we are gradually embracing the concept of community policing. It shows that people are beginning to appreciate the need for security structures that are closer to the people. Security challenges across the country require cooperation between communities, traditional institutions, and security agencies."

The monarch expressed concern over the increasing security challenges confronting parts of the country and stressed the need for governments and relevant authorities to strengthen security architecture and provide adequate support for security personnel.

He also lamented instances where traditional rulers and community leaders were excluded from matters relating to local security despite their wealth of knowledge and understanding of community dynamics.

"When matters affecting community security arise, traditional rulers and community leaders should not be ignored. We live among the people and understand the realities on the ground. Effective security can only be achieved through collaboration and trust."

Recalling the longstanding relationship between Owa Kingdom and the Nigeria Police Force, Obi Efeizomor noted that the Owa-Oyibu Divisional Headquarters has remained a vital institution in maintaining peace and order within the area.

He urged the new DPO to remain focused, impartial, and professional in carrying out his responsibilities, regardless of external influences.

"Those who may want to use you to undermine the image of this palace or the community should be ignored. Do your work according to the law and your conscience. We will not stop you from doing your job, but we will always expect fairness and justice."

The royal father further appealed to officers serving under the new DPO to cooperate with him and contribute to the success of his administration.

"I want to appeal to your subordinates to assist you in succeeding. If they grow in their careers and perform their duties well, it is also beneficial to the community because they are serving our people."

Obi Efeizomor assured the DPO that the palace would remain open to him at all times and pledged continued collaboration with the police in promoting peace, law, and order throughout Owa Kingdom.

"We will do our best to help you succeed. The palace is open to you at any time. Whenever the need arises, we shall work together in the interest of peace and security. Thank you for coming, and may your tenure here be successful," the monarch concluded.

The visit ended with mutual assurances of cooperation between the traditional institution and the police, underscoring the shared commitment of both parties to sustaining peace, security, and development in Owa Kingdom and its surrounding communities.

By Patrick Gbuchane