The Ipokia traditional Kingdom in Ogun State pledges unreserved support for the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service as the acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) in charge of Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko, DC Oladapo Afeni visits the Onipokia’s Palace
By Innocent Chukwu
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, was a day of great achievement in the war against illicit importation into the country, commonly referred to as smuggling, for the Ogun 1 Customs Command, Idiroko in Ogun State. It was the day the acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) in charge of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, paid a strategic courtesy visit on His Royal Majesty, Dr. Yisa Sola Adeniyi Olaniyan, the Onipokia of Ipokia Kingdom and other esteemed traditional leaders of the kingdom.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Chado Zakari, a Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSP), during the visit, the CAC Afeni expressed appreciation to the monarchs for their warm reception and their sustained role in maintaining peace and stability within the kingdom. Afeni described the Ipokia ancient kingdom as a home worth his attention, as a CAC within the domain, adding that it was worth his time to seek to establish stronger alliance and collaboration with traditional institutions in line with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrust on synergy and community engagement.
The gentleman Customs top shot noted that traditional rulers remained critical partners in the suppression of smuggling and the enhancement of national security.
He also reiterated the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, which include trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations, while urging the traditional council to continue sensitizing members of their domain on the dangers of illicit trade and its negative impact on national security and economic growth.
Speaking further Comptroller Afeni highlighted the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives introduced by the CGC, and explained that such programmes were aimed at discouraging smuggling and promoting sustainable development within the host communities.
While responding to the visitor, His Royal Majesty, Oba Yisa Sola Adeniyi Olaniyan, commended the CGC’s transformative leadership and commitment to global best practices, while welcoming Comptroller Afeni as a “son of the soil” and pledged the unwavering support and cooperation of the Ipokia Kingdom for the Comptroller Afeni-led Command.
The monarch encouraged the Acting Controller to carry out his responsibilities “without fear or favour,” reaffirming that Ipokia remains a peaceful and law-abiding community committed to supporting the Federal Government’s economic objectives.
