By Chiedu Bandoh
The Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Innocent Esewezie, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to community security, declaring that the council is fully prepared to reclaim its territory from criminal elements threatening peace and development.Hon. Esewezie made this declaration during a series of strategic courtesy visits to key traditional leaders in Ibusa on Monday, June 16th. During his visit to His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Louis Nwoboshi, the Obuzor of Ibusa, he expressed gratitude for the monarch’s support and blessings ahead of and during his recent trip. The visit also served as an opportunity to inform the royal father of his return and to present the council’s forthcoming security initiatives.Chief Esewezie used the occasion to unveil a new security campaign tagged “Supu Ajo-Ife na Obodo” — meaning “Drive Evil Away from the Land.” The initiative, he explained, is tailored to root out kidnappers and criminal elements hiding in forests and remote parts of Oshimili North, leveraging modern surveillance technologies and a dedicated security task force.Recalling directives from the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, during a recent expanded security meeting, the Council Chairman emphasized that local government authorities must take full responsibility for securing their domains. “His Excellency has spoken clearly. We must rise to the occasion. We are taking over our land from those who threaten our peace and unity,” Hon. Esewezie declared firmly.The Obuzor lauded the Chairman’s proactive stance on security and governance, offering royal prayers and the palace’s continued support towards achieving a safer and more prosperous Oshimili North.Hon. Esewezie similarly paid a visit to the Diokpa of Ibusa, Onowu Paul Ijeh, the town’s eldest and most revered elder. There, he received heartfelt blessings and prayers for strength, wisdom, and success. In a symbolic gesture of respect, the Chairman presented kolanuts and drinks to the Diokpa, who in turn reaffirmed his full support for the local administration and assured the Chairman of his continued spiritual intercession.The series of visits continued at the residence of Chief Celestine Okafor, the Ikwele of Ibusa and Chief Priest of the community. Hon. Esewezie thanked him for his spiritual leadership and his instrumental role in the successful execution of the recently concluded Isu-Ofor rites — a traditional spiritual cleansing ceremony believed to usher in peace, order, and communal healing.Chief Okafor, in his response, praised the Chairman for respecting and upholding traditional institutions. “Call me anytime, I will always answer,” he assured, pledging his unflinching support to the Council Chairman’s leadership and the new security roadmap..The Council Chairman was very appreciative of the role played by the Ikwele, he told him that the Community and LGA at large will call on him again as plans on the next security steps thickens. Through these visits, Hon. Esewezie reaffirmed his administration’s vision of inclusive leadership, strategic collaboration with traditional authorities, and a renewed commitment to cultural heritage as a foundation for lasting peace and progress.