Amotekun: How Akeredolu’s doggedness shaped South-West security

Former Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was born on 21 July, 1956, and died on Wednesday, 27 December, 2023.

Akeredolu was a native of Owo in Ondo State and was renowned for his significant contributions both as a legal luminary and a politician.JAMB Portal

Akeredolu had a distinguished career in law, earning the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and being honored as a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). His transition into politics followed a successful tenure as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Serving as the governor of Ondo State from 24th February 2017 until his death, Akeredolu left a profound impact on the state and the region. One of his most notable legacies was his instrumental role in the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network, commonly known as Amotekun.

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This initiative was a response to the escalating security challenges in the South West zone, including rampant kidnappings, armed robberies, and other criminal activities. A particularly egregious incident that galvanized action was the murder of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, a 58-year-old daughter of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, believed to be carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Determined to address these security concerns, Akeredolu rallied his fellow governors from the South West region – Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun). Together, they agreed in 2019 to establish a unified local security outfit, Amotekun, to tackle the menace of insecurity in the region effectively.NYSC Portal

Amotekun was officially launched in Ibadan on Thursday, 9th January 2020, marking a significant step in reshaping the security architecture of the region. Speaking at the launch, Akeredolu emphasized the commitment of the governors to the unity and indissoluble sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Akeredolu’s passing is mourned by many who recognize his dedication to public service and his efforts to foster security and unity in his state and the wider South West region. His contributions to both the legal profession and his political endeavors have left an enduring legacy.

Akeredolu said, “Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is appropriate for me at this juncture, to state that the Southwest States of the Federation believe in the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its indissoluble sovereignty. We are committed, in all ramifications, to the ideals that will make the country stronger and more united.InformationGuideNigeria

“The various nation-states within the Federation are diverse, yet almost all of us agree that our strength is in our unity.

“Consequently, we shall continue to support the Federal Government, under the able and indefatigable leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, in its avowed commitment and determination to take the country to the next level. Let me on this note thank DAWN Commission for the wonderful job done in crafting the operational framework for Amotekun.JAMB Result

“The Commission has taken care of all grey areas that could cause friction in the operations of the personnel that will be deployed for the programme.

“As a matter of fact, the Nigeria Police will oversee and moderate the activities of Amotekun, thus making its operation conform to the acceptable standards.

“Amotekun is the Yoruba name for the Leopard. It is not the Tiger, Ekun. It is also important that I allay the fears of all those who have expressed misgivings as regards the quality of the personnel to be recruited to serve in the outfit. There is an adequate recruitment mechanism for the exercise. The conventional security agencies will participate, actively, in profiling the recruits.

“Nobody with questionable character will participate in the programme. We will make it difficult for undesirable elements to compound the challenges being encountered. Proper background checks will be carried out on personnel to be recruited while the needed registration/identification of such personnel will be done to ensure accountability.

“Let me seize this opportunity to once again appreciate the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police, State Security Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies for their unrelenting efforts in combating the various crimes threatening peace and security in the entire country.”

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