Ag. Controller Adewole Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Support to Tackle Smuggling in Oyo/Osun
... Visits Aseyin of Iseyin, Soun of Ogbomoso
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, has sought the support of traditional rulers in Oyo State to strengthen efforts to tackle smuggling and promote legitimate trade within their communities.
Adewole made the appeal on Thursday during 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 the Command’s stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions in the fight against smuggling.
This was disclosed in a press release issued on March 12, 2026, by the Command Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Abdulmalik Abiodun Akintola.
During the visits, Adewole emphasised that traditional rulers play a crucial role in maintaining peace and influencing community behaviour, noting that their support is vital in sensitising residents on the negative impact of smuggling on the nation’s economy.
He reiterated that the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to its core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade, adding that stronger cooperation with community leaders would enhance the effectiveness of Customs operations.
Responding, the Aseyin of Iseyin Land commended the Service for its efforts in safeguarding the nation’s economy and pledged the support of the traditional institution in discouraging smuggling activities within the community. He assured that residents would be encouraged to support lawful trade and comply with government regulations.
Similarly, the Soun of Ogbomosho described the visit as timely and commendable, assuring the Acting Customs Area Controller of the cooperation of the people of Ogbomosho in supporting the Service’s anti-smuggling operations.
The visits underscore the Oyo/Osun Area Command’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional institutions and community leaders as part of broader efforts to promote economic stability, improve compliance with trade regulations, and combat smuggling.
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