Oyo/Osun Customs Acting Area Controller Seeks Traditional Support Against Smuggling During Courtesy Visits to Aseyin of Iseyin and Soun of Ogbomosho

The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, paid courtesy visits to the Aseyin of Iseyin Land, Oba (Dr.) Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, and the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions in the fight against smuggling and the promotion of legitimate trade.

The visits form part of the Controller’s stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at building stronger relationships with traditional authorities whose leadership and influence remain crucial in mobilizing community support for government policies and initiatives.

Speaking during the visit to the palace of the Aseyin of Iseyin Land, Deputy Comptroller Adewole expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation. He noted that the Nigeria Customs Service recognizes the vital role traditional institutions play in maintaining peace, security, and order within communities.

He further emphasized that the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains firmly committed to its core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade. He therefore sought the cooperation of community leaders in sensitizing residents on the negative consequences of smuggling on the nation’s economy and development.

In his response, the Aseyin of Iseyin Land, Oba Adeyeri III, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests. The monarch assured the Acting Controller of the continued support of the traditional institution in discouraging smuggling and promoting lawful trade within the community.

Similarly, during the visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosho, Deputy Comptroller Adewole reiterated the Command’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to enhance operational effectiveness. He noted that community cooperation remains vital to the success of Customs operations.

Responding, the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, described the visit as timely and commendable. The monarch assured the Acting Controller of the support and cooperation of the people of Ogbomosho in assisting the Nigeria Customs Service in its efforts to combat smuggling and promote legitimate trade.

The courtesy visits underscore the Oyo/Osun Area Command’s commitment to strengthening synergy with traditional institutions as key partners in ensuring economic stability, security, and national development.

Signed:
Abdulmalik Abiodun Akintola
Assistant Superintendent of Customs I
Command Public Relations Officer
For Acting Customs Area Controller
Oyo/Osun Area Command
March 12, 2026