Exclusive: I Foresaw Adeniyi’s rise as customs chief, Jibo as DCG – Alapa of Apa Kingdom

…Calls for CGC’s tenure extension

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oyekun Adekanmi Ajose Ilufemiloye, the Alapa of Apa Kingdom in Badagry West, Lagos State, has revealed that the appointment of Adewale Adeniyi as the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) was a fulfillment of a divine prophecy he made.

The monarch, who was a businessman before ascending the throne, recalled that he had predicted Adeniyi’s rise when the latter visited his palace as an Assistant Comptroller General (ACG). At the time, Adeniyi was serving at the Customs Training School alongside the then-Controller.

“When he visited me, I prayed for him and told him, ‘ACG Adeniyi, before you retire, within two years, you will become Comptroller General.’ And God answered that prayer,” the monarch recounted.

According to the royal father, Adeniyi publicly acknowledged this prophecy during his first official visit to Seme as CGC, in front of over 2,000 people. “He confirmed that it was I, the Alapa, who prayed for him, and within two years, it came to pass. He is now the first Yoruba to hold the position of CGC,” the monarch said.

The Alapa also spoke of his close relationship with Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) Mohammed Jibo, who he described as a dear friend. “When Adeniyi was still an Assistant Controller, it was Jibo who first brought him to my palace. I also prayed for Jibo and prophesied that he would rise to the position of DCG,” he said.

At the time of that prophecy, Jibo was a Customs Controller. “Within a year, he was promoted to ACG, and not long after, he became DCG. He’s now based in Abuja and has visited me again since,” he added.

Oba Oyekun

Commending the federal government’s recent efforts in reforming the Nigeria Customs Service, the monarch urged the authorities to always appoint seasoned career officers to leadership positions. “Adeniyi and Jibo rose through the ranks. They know the system inside out. I appeal to the federal government not to allow any political or non-career appointment again. The next CGC should be a career customs officer.”

He praised Adeniyi’s leadership, saying, “You can see the reforms he has introduced—addressing longstanding issues, boosting revenue, and reviving abandoned revenue sources. He has cracked down on corruption and brought new energy to the service.”

Seme border post

The monarch expressed concern over excessive customs roadblocks, especially in his border community. “I’m not saying they shouldn’t mount roadblocks, but it should be reasonable. The current system wastes time and creates hardship. Senior officers handle such matters more diplomatically than the younger ones, who often escalate tensions unnecessarily.”

He noted that in the past, customs officers frequently disrupted life in his riverine community with unjustified raids and gunfire. “Today, things have improved significantly under Adeniyi. The CGC has modernized operations and restored peace to our region.”

The monarch also lamented the harassment of local women by overzealous officers. “They used to seize small quantities of grain bought by women to feed their families, harassing and even shooting at them. Thankfully, that has been brought under control.”

Jibo

Praising DCG Jibo’s character, the Alapa described him as “a kind and godly man,” adding that he and Adeniyi were destined to serve together. “When Jibo was here, you’d hardly know he wasn’t Yoruba. Even when Fulani leaders were in power, he remained humble and deeply connected with the local people.”

The monarch commended the humility and professionalism displayed by officers Adeniyi and Jibo, urging younger officers to emulate their conduct.

He also advised young officers to desist from drug abuse, warning that drug consumption is prevalent among members of various security agencies, including the customs, police, and army, as well as among local residents.

Expressing concern, the monarch stated that drug abuse has reached alarming levels and feared it could soon lead to increased social unrest across streets, cities, and villages.

He praised the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its efforts in combating drug trafficking and urged the agency to intensify its operations.

“They should continue. With sustained surveillance, our communities will witness a reduction in drug abuse and the consumption of harmful substances,” he said.

However, the monarch highlighted a critical challenge: the ability of the NDLEA to effectively address drug use within law enforcement agencies themselves. He stressed the need for punitive action against officers found consuming drugs while on duty, labeling them a serious threat to national security.

In terms of broader security and development, the monarch encouraged the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) to maintain ongoing interventions in border communities.

“You can see the calm in border areas now—there is no longer confrontation as in the past,” he noted.

Customs tackling smuggling at Seme

He condemned smuggling, describing it as a criminal act and economic sabotage. He criticized those who falsely invoke his name when caught, asserting:

“I do not intervene in customs and smuggling matters. I’m well-known for that. I am not part of any smuggling syndicate. I serve as a traditional ruler, a father, counselor, and defender of truth and fairness.”

CGC Adeniyi, President Tinubu & Oba Oyekun

The monarch further encouraged the CGC to continue implementing commendable programs that have improved relations between customs officers and local communities at the borders.

“They should maintain a balanced relationship with the people in border communities,” he added.

Using a popular saying, the monarch emphasized the importance of leadership: “The fish gets rotten from the head. If the head is good, the rest of the body will be good. He is doing well, and the rest of the system is following suit.”

He praised the CGC and senior officers, particularly his friend Jibo, for their commendable performance.

“For us here, we are very accommodating. However, for effective and efficient service delivery in Seme—considering the unique relationship with the Benin Republic—we hope that any officer posted here will ensure seamless operations,” he said.

The renowned monarch who is also member of Lagos State Conflict Resolution Committee called on President Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate the process of extending the tenure of the CGC just as that of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun by law, and extension of Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to December 31, 2026.