Posted by Born on July 21, 1956, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. He was the former governor of ONDO
Although he was born and raised in Owo, Ondo State, Akeredolu became known as CON after achieving great success as a lawyer.
Appointed Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and nicknamed “Aketi,” the courageous lawyer entered partisan politics soon after serving as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
From February 24, 2017, until his death, Akeredolu was the governor of Ondo State.
Many who have paid tribute to the former governor believe that he did indeed leave behind certain legacy.
Among his many achievements, his work in establishing the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), sometimes called Amotekun, stands out.
According to the HEALTHYSPOT101, kidnappers, armed robbers, and ritual killers all worked together to put the South West zone under siege.
The assassination of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, the 58-year-old daughter of Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, was a notable event at that period.
In Ondo State, a group of individuals who are believed to be Fulani herders murdered Olakunrin.
The failure to discover a permanent solution to the threat further incensed Akeredolu and other zone stakeholders.
Although Soludrero, Agbekoya, the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), and Isokan are among the non-formal security groups that have existed, HEALTHYSPOT101 learned that the region’s security architecture was shaped in part by the challenging process of establishing Amotekun.
In an effort to secure the zone from criminals, Akeredolu gathered his colleagues from the area, including Seyi Makinde from Oyo, Gboyega Oyetola from Osun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu from Lagos, Kayode Fayemi from Ekiti, and Dapo Abiodun from Ogun, to form a unified local security outfit.
The regional security situation was further bolstered in 2019 when the governors reached an agreement to establish Amotekun.
On Thursday, January 9, 2020, at a ceremony that included several regional governors and other influential figures, Amotekun was formally unveiled in Ibadan.
During his speech, Akeredolu proclaimed the region’s and governors’ unwavering support for the inseparable sovereignty and unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the Western Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the late governor emphasized that his fellow governors in the region were fully dedicated to promoting national unity and strength rather than division.
“Honorable members of this august gathering, I feel compelled to declare on behalf of the Southwest States of the Federation our firm belief in the inseparable sovereignty and unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Akeredolu declared. We shall never waver from our dedication to the principles that will bring our nation together and strengthen it.
We are a diverse group of member nations, yet we can all agree that our strength is in working together as one.
As a result, we will stand by the Federal Government as it vows to elevate the nation under the capable and unwavering leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. On this point, I’d want to express my gratitude to DAWN Commission for the excellent work they did on Amotekun’s operating framework.
All potential ambiguities that may arise throughout the program’s operations have been addressed by the Commission.
Actually, Amotekun will be moderated and supervised by the Nigeria Police, so its operations will be up to par.
In Yoruba, the leopard is called Amotekun. No, Ekun, that is not the Tiger. Additionally, I must assuage the concerns of everyone who has voiced reservations about the caliber of the recruits to be enlisted in the unit. The exercise has a sufficient recruitment mechanism. Recruit profiling will be an active process in which traditional security agencies take part.
No one whose integrity is in question will be a part of the show. Unwanted factors will have a hard time adding to the problems that already exist because of our efforts. We shall assure accountability by conducting thorough background checks on all personnel to be recruited and by registering and identifying them as needed.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police, the State Security Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and all other security agencies for their tireless efforts in eradicating the numerous crimes that have menaced national peace and security.”
Justifications for Abubakar Malami’s opposition to Amotekun’s creation
As previously reported by HEALTHYSPOT101, Amotekun faced opposition from the federal administration headed by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami and the previous administration were strongly opposed to Amotekun’s formation.
“Unconstitutional” was the word used by the federal government when describing the establishment of Amotekun.
According to a statement signed by Umar Gwandu, Malami’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, the creation of Amotekun was not supported by any existing law in the country.
The formation of the paramilitary group known as “Amotekun” violates the laws of Nigeria and is thus unlawful. A number of paramilitary groups, including the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Navy, and the Nigerian Airforce, were founded by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to ensure the safety of Nigeria.
“No State Government, acting alone or in concert, possesses the authority or jurisdiction to create a body or agency to safeguard Nigeria or any of its components,” the statement continued.
The Federal Government Security Services and the Police are authorized to uphold law and order according to the provisions of Item 45 of the Second Schedule of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution (as amended).
When it comes to abuses in “Amotekun” organization, administration, and participation, the legal system will inevitably take its course.
Last but not least, I must state categorically that the Attorney General’s Office and the Minister of Justice were not involved in any way with this situation. He stated at the time that if it had, adequate information and direction would have been provided to safeguard Nigeria’s defense and business entity constantly.
The reactions of Tinubu, Soyinka, and Afenifere reduced tension and made it easier for Amotekun to gain acceptance.
The dispute around Amotekun’s establishment persisted for a considerable amount of time before it finally died down, as reported by HEALTHYSPOT101
At home and abroad, it sparked conversations among Nigerians, particularly those from the West.
Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the time, was among those who spoke out in favor of Amotekun on multiple occasions.
Professor Wole Soyinka, a Nobel laureate, and Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba social-cultural group, were among the others.
Malami was accused by Tinubu for pronouncing Amotekun illegal too quickly in his response.
“The Governors claimed they consulted regularly with the police and security agencies,” Tinubu stated in a statement released in January 2020. Doing this was the correct choice. The present public outcry, however, stems from their decision to exclude the Attorney General’s office from these negotiations.
This was a regrettable oversight that the governors ought to work to correct. We must ensure that this procedural issue does not undermine Amotekun’s conceptual merits and favorable functional characteristics. The Attorney General is a decent human being who works hard for the public good. Unexpectedly, a public declaration concerning an issue within his official purview was made without consulting him.
Federal prerogatives were being infringed upon, he probably thought, because he was not consulted. To hold him responsible for this outcome would be to hold human nature responsible. Although he had every right to be upset, his attitude was counterproductive. Due to his hurried decision, the Attorney General made a statement to the public that was more misleading than necessary. It was an error on the part of the Attorney-General to refer to Amotekun as a “defence” agency, since that was never its intended function.
No more than a specially designated school bus transporting uniformed pupils qualifies a paramilitary deployment does Amotekun’s employment of uniforms and brightly colored vehicles qualify as a defense agency or paramilitary outfit. The Attorney General ought to have contacted the governors after concluding that they had gone too far. It would have been wise for him to arrange a private meeting with Amotekun before going public with his claims.
He may have communicated his precise constitutional or other goals to the governors in this way. This would have allowed for discreet discussions amongst the parties to determine a course of action. If everyone had worked together, maybe some of the aforementioned organizational mistakes could have been fixed. He added that the present public animosity could have been avoided if only someone had taken such a diplomatic and prudent action.
Professor Wole Soyinka, a Nobel laureate, rebutted Malami.
Amotekun “has come to stay,” according to Soyinka.
When the federal government outlawed the new security outfit, he was very unhappy about it.
The governors of the SouthWest formed the Amotekun group to deal with instances of regional instability that previous security agencies had failed to resolve. He explained at the time that Operation Amotekun would be continuing.
The South West governors were reassured by Afenifere that Malami’s proclamation should not be taken lightly in its stance.
“They were asked not to do it, but Operation Amotekun is a welcome development,” Fasoranti added. Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State, was adamant that they will carry it out.
We can’t just sit back and let ourselves be overwhelmed by the relentless assault, therefore I hope they move on with it for the sake of our people.
“It seems like he’s speaking on behalf of someone. He is betraying the wishes of the president by remaining silent, which is seen as a sign of approval. It lends credence to the idea that they are attempting to safeguard certain interests in the South-West. That way, they may keep doing what they want without fear of repercussions, which is something I also agree with. I feel bad about it.
Leaving our people defenseless, stranded, and in need of aid and protection is a terrible thing to do.
According to HEALTHYSPOT101, Akeredolu battled for the Amotekun course right up till the end.
He said that Amotekun ought to be granted the same freedom to bear guns as security outfits in certain northern states.
According to our source, Amotekun has gained notoriety throughout several states in Nigeria for his swift responses to security threats like abduction, armed robbery, and ritual killings. These states include Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, and even some areas of Lagos State.
Except for Lagos, it functions across the six South West states: Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun.
There are now five operating states, and each of them has passed legislation creating Amotekun.
The formation of Amotekun was legislated in February 2020 by the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
In March of 2020, the measure was passed into law by the then-governor, Kayode Fayemi.
In March of 2020, the Oyo State House of Assembly also did the same.
Governor Seyi Makinde later signed the bill into law a few days later.
A comparable achievement was documented in Osun, Ogun, and Ondo, according to HEALTHYSPOT101
Keep Amotekun in office to ensure Akeredolu’s immortality, says Oyo NUJ to governors of the South West
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has urged the governors in the zone to support Amotekun as a security agency, in acknowledgment of Akeredolu’s involvement in its inception.
At the conclusion of its monthly congress, which was chaired by Comrade Ademola Babalola, the union’s state chairman, a statement was released making this announcement.
Members Comrades Mosun Akinola, Ismail Fasasi, and Seye Ojo (Chairman, Secretary, and Member, respectively) drafted the communiqué.
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN), the immediate former governor of Ondo State, passed away in the wee hours of Wednesday, December 27, 2023. The Congress expressed glowing tributes to him.
After a long fight with prostate cancer, Akeredolu passed away, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the residents of Ondo State, and the people of South West. The report said that Akeredolu was a unique treasure to Oyo State and his native Ondo State because he lived and invested extensively in Ibadan throughout his life.
The Congress took note of Akeredolu’s contributions to the Western Nigeria Security Network, or Amotekun Corps, which have trickled down to the South West state security networks and are effectively acting as local police in the geopolitical zone, all in an effort to strengthen the security architecture of that area.
According to the Congress, Akeredolu was the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum right up to his death. His eloquent speeches and fights with the federal government ultimately led to the establishment of the Amotekun Corps.
St. Francis Catholic Cathedral in Owo, Akeredolu’s birthplace in Ondo State, was attacked by bandits on Sunday, June 5, 2022, killing at least 40 parishioners. The Council also praised Akeredolu’s gallantry and fortitude in the face of the onslaught of criminal herders in the zone.
In particular, the Congress urged the South West Governors to continue Akeredolu’s work in establishing the Amotekun Corps so that his legacy would live on.
Several individuals have been apprehended – Oyo Amotekun Commandant
Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd), commandant of Amotekun in Oyo State, made a point of talking about how far the security group has come since it was founded.
Numerous individuals have been apprehended, he said.
He did mention that the police have taken over some of the cases that the security firm had been handling.
In an interview with HEALTHYSPOT101 conducted over the phone, Olayanju stated that the security agency is unable to evaluate itself apart from the people.
A self-evaluation is not possible. The ones who will tell you are the people.
You won’t hear me say that. Let me tell you, we have made a lot of arrests. “The police have taken custody of some of them,” he said.
Prior to his passing, Akeredolu institutionalized Amotekun; he served as chairman of the council of commandants of Amotekun.
Speaking with HEALTHYSPOT101, Adetunji Adeleye, chairman of the South West Council of Amotekun commandants, stated that Akeredolu saw Amotekun as something bigger than himself.
He argued that the former governor is essential to Amotekun’s success.
Adeleye, who doubles as the commandant of Ondo State’s Amotekun, asserted that the previous governor formalized Amotekun’s status as a comprehensive grassroots security organization in the state.
Kidnappings, armed robberies, and conflicts between farmers and herders were the three main security issues he listed for the state.
The foundation of the security outfit in 2020, he claimed, had drastically decreased any problems.
It was his administration in Ondo State that was instrumental in having the Amotekun signed into law, he claimed. There were three big security challenges in Ondo State when I took up the Amotekun: armed robbery, abduction, and confrontations between farmers and herders.
Claims of violence between farmers and herders rank highest. I got around 5,000 petitions within one month of resuming and promptly took action. With that in mind, I round up more than 10,000 cows in the first three months on the job.
Importantly, we started state patrols. The state’s crime rate dropped significantly within the month that we were in charge of it. We began border patrols between the states of Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti by the year 2020’s end. Countless kidnappers were apprehended, and we freed more than a hundred held hostage.
As I speak to you now, there are more than five thousand inmates at the correctional facility; however, in 2021, Akeredolu oversaw a review of the statute creating Amotekun, which provided us with additional opportunities and a legal framework within which to operate. Without the police, we now prosecute directly.
Conflicts between farmers and herders have decreased by over 80% as we speak to you today. No bank robberies have occurred, and armed robberies have also decreased.
Also, I want it said: if you’ve been following the news, you know that we recently paraded about sixty-two criminals, forty of whom are kidnappers. Since we started, we have saved the lives of more than a thousand victims.
As far as I’m aware, Akeredolu has officially recognized Amotekun as a legitimate grassroots security group operating in Ondo State. All of the state’s security agencies work together with us to accomplish these goals.
Fortunately, I served as both the Corps Commander and the S.A. My dual role as Ondo State’s security chief and chairman of the South West Council of Amotekun commandants fills me with the enthusiasm I need to coordinate the five active states’ Amotekun forces.
I just want it said that without governor Akeredolu’s support, none of this would have been feasible. “He seemed to see it beyond himself,” we said.
Akeredolu – Maja-Maja is essential to the construction of Amotekun.
What is presently known as Amotekun could not have been feasible without Akeredolu, according to Maja-Maja, a Yoruba socio-cultural group.
While chatting with HEALTHYSPOT101, Comrade Adedina Akinpelu, the group’s coordinator, made this declaration.
According to Akinpelu, who spoke with HEALTHYSPOT101, the region is now safer from kidnappings, armed robberies, and the battles between farmers and herdsmen, which led to the foundation of Amotekun.
He continued to take the lead in the fight even after certain Yoruba state governors turned against him. The fight was won by him.
The battle was won by him, basically. Crimes like armed robbery and kidnapping have decreased in the South West. You have to look at the big picture to understand what’s going on now. We can’t guarantee it, but we’re aiming for 85%,” he announced.