The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Foundation have pledged to sustain the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu's advocacy for state policing. To commemorate his 70th posthumous birthday, the two organizations will host a colloquium on "Fundamentals and Governance of State Policing: Towards a New Architecture for National Security in Nigeria." The event aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss policing and national security.
A representative of the Akeredolu family, Mr. Taiwo Adewole, explained that the family chose to celebrate the late governor through discussions around issues he championed. Akeredolu, a lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, was a two-term governor of Ondo State. Adewole described him as "a man of courage" who spoke out against injustice and stood up for his people, particularly during periods of insecurity in the South-West.
Adewole recalled Akeredolu's commitment to security and welfare, citing his role in establishing Operation Amotekun despite opposition. As Chairman of the South-West Governors' Forum, Akeredolu led efforts to establish the operation, believing that security begins at home and that local communities are best placed to protect themselves. The family has chosen to honor Akeredolu by continuing conversations around his ideas and causes.
The Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, said the commission is proud to convene the Aketi@70 Colloquium in partnership with the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Foundation. The event, scheduled for October 8 at the University of Ibadan, aims to keep alive Akeredolu's contributions to the debate on state policing and national security. Oyeleye noted that Nigeria's security challenges make the debate on policing increasingly important.
Nigeria's centralized policing structure is under strain, making it necessary to discuss implementing, funding, regulating, and making state policing accountable. The debate on state policing is no longer about whether, but about how to move forward. Stakeholders will discuss funding, training, equipment, and guarding against abuse.
The colloquium will bring together governors, lawmakers, security chiefs, traditional rulers, academics, and civil society actors to discuss policing and national security. Akeredolu, who would have turned 70 on July 21, 2026, was a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and a champion of state policing. His legacy continues to inspire conversations around national security.
The Aketi@70 Colloquium is part of the programs lined up to mark Akeredolu's 70th posthumous birthday. The event is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions around state policing and national security, ensuring that Akeredolu's advocacy continues to inspire positive change.
Key points
- The DAWN Commission and Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Foundation will host a colloquium on state policing to mark the late governor's 70th posthumous birthday.
- The event aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss policing and national security in Nigeria.
- Akeredolu's advocacy for state policing continues to inspire conversations around national security.
