Commissioner of Police Ishola Olanrewaju Olawale has officially taken charge as the 40th Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, promising to enhance security and strengthen trust between law enforcement and residents. Olawale, who succeeds Adegoke Fayoade, now promoted to Assistant Inspector-General of Police, pledged his dedication to maintaining law and order in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
The new police boss, with over two decades of experience in Lagos, expressed his confidence in surmounting the high expectations tied to the role. “Lagos is a Centre of Excellence, and I understand the stakes. It is a great responsibility, and I accept it with joy and a deep sense of purpose,” Olawale said during the handover ceremony.
Olawale, who holds degrees in Geography and Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Ibadan, has served in numerous key positions, demonstrating tactical leadership in crises such as the OPC Idi Araba and Abule Egba incidents. His vast experience, paired with local knowledge of Lagos, places him in a strong position to address the state’s unique security challenges.
While thanking Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his trust, Olawale stressed that his personal connection to the state would drive his commitment: “I live here, I work here, and I am a stakeholder in the larger Lagos community. This mission is not just professional; it’s personal.”
As he embarks on his new role, Olawale promised to be firm but fair in his approach, aiming to position Lagos as a model of effective policing, not only for Nigeria but globally.
