Oyo/Osun Customs Command Seeks Strengthened Collaboration with Traditional Institutions
In a move to deepen institutional ties and foster stronger partnerships with traditional authorities, the Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja, led a high-ranking delegation of senior officers on a courtesy visit to the palace of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, in the ancient city of Ile-Ife.
The visit, which took place on Tuesday, 15 April, was marked by an atmosphere of reverence and mutual respect, as Comptroller Adelaja expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ooni for the warm reception and the honour of being received at the historic seat of the Oduduwa throne.
He described the visit as both symbolic and strategic, with the objective of reaffirming the longstanding cordial relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the revered Yoruba monarchy.
In his address, Comptroller Adelaja extolled the Ooni as a guardian of Yoruba heritage, a unifier of people, and a beacon of peace whose far-reaching influence extends beyond the Yoruba nation to Nigeria as a whole.
He reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service, through the Oyo/Osun Area Command, to its core mandates—revenue generation, border security, and trade facilitation.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Comptroller Adelaja called for sustained support from the Ooni and other traditional institutions in the region.
He emphasised that working closely with traditional leaders was vital to combating smuggling and other unlawful economic activities that threaten national development.
“The Customs Service cannot work in isolation,” Adelaja noted. “We believe in engaging our royal fathers to help us sensitise the people, particularly at the grassroots, on the dangers of smuggling and the benefits of lawful trade. Your Majesty’s continued support is indispensable to the success of our mission.”
In response, the Ooni of Ife warmly welcomed the delegation and lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for its significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth.
He acknowledged the dedication of the NCS in curbing smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, and generating revenue for national development.
His Imperial Majesty assured Comptroller Adelaja and his team of his full support, pledging that the traditional institutions under his leadership would continue to collaborate with the Customs Service in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains a critical partner in our collective pursuit of economic stability and national prosperity,” the Ooni affirmed. “You have our support always.”
The visit concluded on a positive note, leaving behind a reinforced bond between the Nigeria Customs Service and the traditional institution of Ile-Ife, and a shared resolve to promote peace, economic progress, and national security.
