The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its grassroots engagement efforts as the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, paid courtesy visits to prominent traditional rulers in Osun State.
The visits, held on Monday, February 23, 2026, took the Customs delegation to the palaces of the Ooni of Ife, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, and the Ataoja of Osogbo.
At the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Adewole expressed appreciation for the warm reception and described the throne as a symbol of Yoruba cultural heritage. He solicited the support of the traditional institution and the community in combating smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, and strengthening national economic security.
The monarch commended the Service for its role in trade facilitation and border security, assuring the Command of continued support.
During his visit to the Ogunsua of Modakeke, the Acting Controller highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and security.
He emphasized community-based intelligence sharing as critical to the effective discharge of Customs’ mandate. The Ogunsua pledged the cooperation of his people toward achieving the objectives of the Command.
Similarly, at the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Adewole reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to collaboration with host communities to promote lawful trade and prevent illicit activities. The Ataoja commended the Service for safeguarding the nation’s economy and assured the delegation of sustained support.
The Acting Customs Area Controller noted that the visits form part of strategic efforts to strengthen synergy with key stakeholders, particularly traditional institutions, whose influence is vital in promoting compliance with Customs laws and supporting national security goals.
The Oyo/Osun Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling while fostering strong partnerships for effective service delivery.
