Commissioner of Police Ishola Olanrewaju Olawale has officially taken on the role of the 40th Commissioner of Police for the Lagos State Command. This information was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
Olawale succeeds CP Adegoke Fayoade, who has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and has been reassigned to the AIG Zone 2 Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.
Hundeyin stated that commissioner Olawale joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.
“He holds a BSc in Geography and an MSc in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Ibadan. Amongst other training and educational pursuits, he has attended the Tactical Leadership and Command Course, at the Police Staff College Jos, and the Strategic Leadership and Command Course, at the National Institute of Police Studies, Abuja.
“He has served in numerous key operational and administrative positions, where he ensured law and order in some of the most challenging environments. His experience in Lagos spans decades, during which he successfully handled high-stakes situations such as the OPC Idi Araba and Abule Egba crises, establishing himself as a tactical leader with a deep understanding of Lagos’ unique security landscape,” the statement added.
While enjoining Lagos residents to provide maximum support to the new CP, Hundeyin said he was set to embark on his mission to maintain law and order, foster community trust, and enhance the safety of the state through his wealth of experience, deep local knowledge, and commitment to reforms.
Speaking during the handing over, the new Lagos police boss on his part said he accepted the mantle with great joy and a sense of purpose.
“Lagos is a Centre of Excellence, I know the stakes are very high but it is surmountable. I believe the duty of a Commissioner of Police in Lagos State isn’t candy, that we hand to a crying child. So, I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected,” he added.
While thanking the governor of the state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for having confidence in his capacity, Olawale further said, “And to the good people of Lagos, I am one of you. I live here, I work here. So, it’s beyond an official assignment, it becomes personal because I’m a stakeholder in larger Lagos.
“And I promise you, the Nigeria Police in Lagos has done well, it’s only going to get better. My predecessor, my boss, has told me all I need to know. So, to me, it’s a marching order.
“And because of what Lagos is, and my professional experience in Lagos, the span of about two decades, I’m sure the job shall be done. And the name of God shall be glorified. The good people of Lagos should expect nothing but excellence.”
He promised to be fair to all, but be firm noting that by the grace of the Almighty God, Lagos shall continue to be a model of policing, not only for Nigeria but also for the world in general.
