Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, fondly known as Aketi, made remarkable strides during his tenure as the Governor of Ondo State, from February 24th, 2017, till his passing. His legacy includes a pivotal role in establishing the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) – Amotekun, which significantly reshaped the security landscape of the South-West region.

Amotekun’s Genesis

The South West region faced escalating security challenges, marked by kidnappings, armed robberies, and horrifying incidents like the tragic killing of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, daughter of the Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, by suspected Fulani herdsmen. This distressing event galvanized Governor Akeredolu and other stakeholders to take proactive measures to address the prevailing insecurity.

Akeredolu’s Leadership

Akeredolu, demonstrating unwavering determination, rallied his counterparts from neighbouring states – Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) to establish a unified regional security outfit – Amotekun. The collaborative efforts of these governors led to the official launch of Amotekun in Ibadan on January 9th, 2020, signalling a new phase in the region’s security architecture.

Amid the launch, Akeredolu emphasized the region’s commitment to Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty. He reinforced the governors’ dedication to the country’s strength through unity, assuring that Amotekun’s operations would align with national standards, with oversight from the Nigeria Police.

Federal Government’s Opposition

The establishment of Amotekun encountered resistance from the federal government, particularly from the then Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami. Malami contended that the creation of Amotekun contradicted the Nigerian constitution, sparking legal and constitutional debates regarding the powers and jurisdiction of state governments in matters of security.

Prominent Endorsements

Amid the contention, notable figures like Bola Tinubu, Wole Soyinka, and Afenifere expressed support for Amotekun. Tinubu criticized the Attorney General’s swift dismissal of Amotekun, highlighting procedural oversights while emphasizing the initiative’s substantive merits.

Amotekun’s Acceptance

Ultimately, the endorsements from influential figures and the determination of the South-West governors prevailed, leading to the widespread acceptance of Amotekun as a necessary response to the region’s security challenges.

The enduring legacy of Akeredolu and the collaborative efforts of South-West governors in establishing Amotekun are a testament to the power of decisive leadership and regional cooperation in addressing complex security issues.

Amotekun: The Rise and Impact of the South West’s Security Outfit

The birth of ‘Amotekun,’ an indigenous security outfit in Nigeria’s South West, has sparked a heated national debate. Positioned to address the region’s security challenges, particularly kidnapping, armed robbery, and farmer-herder clashes, its establishment has elicited diverse reactions from both within and outside the geopolitical zone.

Amidst the contentious background lingered a clash between the South West governors and the then Federal Government. The Attorney-General’s hasty and inaccurate public statement fueled the fire, casting doubts on Amotekun’s legality and its categorization as a “defence” agency. Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, vehemently countered these claims, asserting Amotekun’s permanence and necessity in combating insecurity. His stance was further echoed by Afenifere, urging the governors to stand firm in the face of federal opposition.

Despite the ripples of dissent, Amotekun surged forward, gaining legislative approval in five South West states. Notably, its efficacy in addressing security challenges became palpable, drawing attention across the region. From Ondo to Ekiti, Osun to Oyo, and parts of Lagos, Amotekun swiftly emerged as a household name, exuding prompt responsiveness to security threats.

Oyo State NUJ went a step further, calling for the perpetuation of Amotekun to immortalize the late Akeredolu, the former governor of Ondo State, who played a pivotal role in its formation. The union emphasized Akeredolu’s unwavering commitment to Amotekun and rallied for continued support from South West governors.

Beyond mere rhetoric, the impact of Amotekun has materialized in a string of achievements. The Oyo State commandant, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd), underscored the outfit’s numerous arrests and the successful transfer of cases to the police. Furthermore, the Chairman of the Council of Amotekun Commandants in the South West, Adetunji Adeleye, highlighted Akeredolu’s instrumental role in institutionalizing Amotekun and reducing security threats in Ondo State. He pointed out that Akeredolu’s vision saw Amotekun transcend his individuality, culminating in significant achievements in combating crime.

Echoing this sentiment, the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Maja-Maja, hailed Akeredolu’s leadership in birthing Amotekun, attesting to the noticeable decline in kidnapping, armed robbery, and farmer-herder clashes across the South West.

The rise of Amotekun reflects a stirring narrative of grassroots empowerment and regional resilience. As it stands, Amotekun stands as a testament to the potency of local solutions and serves as a compelling case study in addressing complex security challenges through indigenous frameworks.