Monarchs Urges Tinubu For New Pipeline Reform
Traditional rulers in Ilaje, Ondo State, under the Ilaje Council of Obas, have urged Bola Ahmed Tinubu to decentralise pipeline surveillance across the Niger Delta.
They said the current centralised system is weakening security and limiting trust between communities and operatives.
The monarchs said the appeal followed rising concerns over oil facility protection, stressing that local involvement would improve intelligence and response.
Their position was contained in a letter signed by Oba Obafemi Ogbaro after consultations with coastal stakeholders.
They argued that excluding host communities has created gaps, slowing reactions to threats like oil theft and vandalism.
The rulers also pointed to low youth participation, welfare delays for personnel, and fears of unknown actors operating in waterways under the cover of surveillance.
While noting cooperation among coastal communities has helped reduce crime, they warned the peace is fragile.
The monarchs called for a new approach that promotes fairness, boosts local roles, and strengthens coordination to better protect oil assets and support development.
