Ondo State Governor, Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has stated that the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu's advocacy for state police and a decentralized security architecture continues to shape national discussions. Aiyedatiwa made this statement at a colloquium held in Ibadan to mark Akeredolu's 70th posthumous birthday. He described Akeredolu as a courageous public servant who remained committed to finding practical solutions to Nigeria's security challenges.
Aiyedatiwa noted that Akeredolu's advocacy went beyond speeches, citing the establishment of the Amotekun Corps by governors in the South-West as one of the practical outcomes of his push for community-based security. The governor fondly referred to Akeredolu as "My Oga" and emphasized that his former principal's commitment to true federalism and decentralized security architecture continues to influence Nigeria's national policy and constitutional discussions.
The governor highlighted recent security operations involving the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in Ondo State forests, demonstrating the importance of local intelligence and community participation in tackling insecurity. Aiyedatiwa also mentioned that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated a commitment to advancing the State Police debate as part of broader institutional reforms.
However, Aiyedatiwa stressed that the establishment of State Police must be accompanied by mechanisms that guarantee professionalism and public confidence. He emphasized that any State Police framework must include credible recruitment, proper vetting, professionalism, accountability, and public trust. The governor believes that the most appropriate way to honor Akeredolu's legacy is to continue working towards building a safer and more responsive country.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who chairs the Nigeria Governors' Forum Committee on State Police, also spoke at the event. He stated that Nigeria requires additional police personnel to bridge the gap between its current policing capacity and the United Nations-recommended police-to-citizen ratio. Abiodun mentioned that the country needs 554,353 additional police personnel and called for comprehensive reforms to ensure that State Police, when established, would be effective and sustainable.
Other dignitaries, including former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, paid tribute to Akeredolu's contributions to security reform, regional integration, federalism, and good governance. The colloquium brought together government officials, political leaders, legal practitioners, and members of Akeredolu's family to reflect on his contributions to Nigeria's development and his advocacy for security and constitutional reforms.
The event provided a platform for stakeholders to reflect on Akeredolu's legacy and his impact on Nigeria's development. Aiyedatiwa and other speakers emphasized the need for continued efforts to build a safer and more responsive country, in line with Akeredolu's vision. The colloquium also underscored the importance of State Police and decentralized security architecture in addressing Nigeria's security challenges.
Key points
- Akeredolu's advocacy for State Police and decentralized security architecture continues to shape national discussions.
- The establishment of State Police must be accompanied by mechanisms that guarantee professionalism and public confidence.
- Nigeria needs 554,353 additional police personnel to bridge the gap between its current policing capacity and the United Nations-recommended police-to-citizen ratio.
