As part of the farewell activities for the retiring Commissioner of Police, Anambra Command, Mr Aderemi Adeoye, the Ogbunka community on Sunday awarded him a top Chieftaincy title, Dike – Ochioha I, meaning the Grand Commander of the Kingdom.
The Traditional Ruler of Ogbunka Community, in Orumba South Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State, Igwe JohnMark Anyaocha, conferred the title on Adeoye, saying “we decided to honour him for his professionalism in handling security challenges in the state.
Anyaocha, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ogbunka on Sunday, said that the community decided to recognise and honour the CP because he applied tactical wisdom in handling security issues in the community.
“These are issues that could have led to the killing of innocent people in the community,” he said.
The traditional ruler said “Some months ago, Ogbunka community boiled as police operatives made indiscriminate arrests of people and the cabinet approached Adeoye for clarifications.
He said “Adeoye listened to us, promising that his men will carry out thorough investigations and ‘if what was reported is true, be assured of justice’.
Anyaocha confirmed that after investigations, the wrongly held people were released.
“The CP did not stop at that, knowing that our community shares boundaries with other states, he increased surveillance in the community and the act yielded huge security results and peace returned to our community,” he said.
Anyaocha said that the community followed the state government’s procedures of conferment of chieftaincy titles on people, and supported government’s adoption of Adeoye as an Anambra citizen.
He said that another core reason is to show that there is reward for good work and to encourage other public servants to be on top of their duties no matter where they are working.
Chief Timothy Ikedinmma, a chief in the community, also called Adeoye “a police officer that has a listening ear and passionate about his work.
“Adeoye is an angel sent by God to come and work in the police force to correct the wrong impression people have about the police. He is a committed officer with integrity and amazing humility.
“I have worked in public service and retired, I have not seen a police officer of his type, you cannot compromise him, he saves the vulnerable and respects his profession,” he said.
Chief Ikechukwu Chukwubeze, the President-General of the community, said that Adeoye was a fine police officer and deserves more than the title.
Chukwubueze said Adeoye redefined police image and proved that there are lots of good police officers, urging the command to sustain the legacy left by Adeoye, who effectively leaves office on May 1.
NAN reports that most people who spoke, described Adeoye as a highly accomplished law enforcement officer with a distinguished career running over decades.
Adeoye was described as an officer who epitomises excellence in law enforcement with remarkable track record of service and commitment to security within communities.
He had his pull-out parade on April 27 at Awka and will hand over to the next CP on May 1.
Adeoye was enlisted into the police force on May 1, 1989. (NAN)