By Nkechi Eze
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of his full support and collaboration in the renewed national campaign against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. The royal assurance came during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), at the Agency’s national headquarters in Abuja on Friday, 12th December 2025.
In an official signed statement, the Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the Alaafin visited alongside two other eminent traditional rulers the Oloro of Oro, Oba Joel Olaniyan Olatoye, and the Olusin of Ijara-Isin, Oba Ademola Julius Ajibola. During the meeting, the Alaafin praised Marwa’s leadership and distinguished public service record, describing him as the Atunluse of Yoruba land and a consistent performer whose contributions continue to resonate nationwide.
“To be kind with you, we are proud of you,” the Alaafin said, noting Marwa’s devotion and commitment, as well as the impactful legacy of the Keke Marwa transport initiative. “Your being in this position is not by chance. You have always been a performer.”
Responding to Marwa’s appeal for traditional rulers to play a stronger role in combating drug abuse, the Alaafin pledged to mobilise his colleagues across the country to partner with the NDLEA. He emphasized the strategic position of traditional institutions in local communities, stating: “We are at the grassroots, we are close to the community people. We know a lot about what’s going on. We are ready, more than ready to work with you and give all necessary support to ensure you succeed. Anytime you are in need of us, we will always be there for you.”
In his welcome remarks, Brig Gen Marwa congratulated the Alaafin on ascending the throne and underscored the critical importance of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s anti-drug war. He noted that the 2018 drug use survey revealed that almost 15 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 were using drugs, a figure he described as “unacceptable.”
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had mandated the NDLEA to intensify efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks, prosecute offenders, and seize assets linked to illicit drug activities. According to Marwa, this national assignment requires strong community-level collaboration.
“Traditional institutions are extremely important,” he stated. “Whoever you are in Nigeria, you still come from somewhere, and when a traditional leader speaks, it carries weight.” He urged royal fathers to also engage religious leaders in their domains to amplify advocacy against drug abuse.
Marwa appealed to the traditional rulers to support the Agency with credible information about drug dealers within their communities, stressing the link between substance abuse and rising criminality. “Kidnappers, insurgents, terrorists, bandits many of them use drugs to empower themselves. If we control drug use, criminality will reduce.”
He expressed deep appreciation to the Alaafin for the visit and wished him a long and prosperous reign marked by peace, progress, and development across the Oyo Kingdom.
