Former Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was born on 21 July, 1956, and died on Wednesday, 27 December, 2023.
Akeredolu, a local of Owo in Ondo State, was an achieved lawyer who earned the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON.
Nicknamed Aketi, the fearless lawyer joined partisan politics shortly after he served as President of Nigerian Bar Affiliation, NBA. He additionally bagged the very best title within the authorized career, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.
Akeredolu served as governor of Ondo State from twenty fourth February 2017 until his loss of life.
The previous governor, in accordance with lots of those that have paid tributes to him, left some legacies.
High among the many legacies is the position he performed within the institution of the Western Nigeria Safety Community, WNSN, often known as Amotekun.
Arogidigba International Journal remembers that South West zone was beneath siege by the actions of kidnappers, armed robbers and ritual killers at a time.
One main incident at the moment was the killing of a 58-year-old daughter of the chief of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Mrs Funke Olakunrin.
Olakunrin was killed by some individuals suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in Ondo State.
This then infuriated Akeredolu and different stakeholders within the zone to discover a lasting resolution to the menace.
Arogidigba International Journal gathered that though some non-formal safety teams corresponding to Soludrero, Agbekoya, Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Isokan, amongst others have been existence, the institution of Amotekun, which was not a simple job, helped in shaping the safety structure of the area.
Akeredolu, in a bid to rid the zone of criminals, rallied his colleagues from the zone – Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) to have a unifying native safety outfit that can deal with the menace of insecurity in tthe area.
The governors then agreed in 2019 to ascertain Amotekun in order to strengthen the safety scenario within the area.
Amotekun was lastly launched in Ibadan on Thursday, ninth January 2020, at an occasion attended by a number of the governors and different stakeholders within the area.
Akeredolu, whereas talking, declared that the area and its governors strongly believed within the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its indissoluble sovereignty.
The late governor, who spoke because the Chairman, Western Nigeria Governors’ Discussion board, stated that governors within the area had been dedicated, in all ramifications, to the beliefs that might make the nation stronger and extra united, and to not divide it.
Akeredolu stated, “Distinguished Women and Gents, it’s acceptable for me at this juncture, to state that the Southwest States of the Federation imagine within the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its indissoluble sovereignty. We’re dedicated, in all ramifications, to the beliefs that can make the nation stronger and extra united.
“The varied nation-states inside the Federation are numerous, but nearly all of us agree that our power is in our unity.
“Consequently, we will proceed to assist the Federal Authorities, beneath the ready and indefatigable management of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, in its avowed dedication and dedication to take the nation to the subsequent stage. Let me on this observe thank DAWN Fee for the fantastic job executed in crafting the operational framework for Amotekun.
“The Fee has taken care of all gray areas that would trigger friction within the operations of the personnel that can be deployed for the programme.
“As a matter of truth, the Nigeria Police will oversee and reasonable the actions of Amotekun, thus making its operation conform to the suitable requirements.
“Amotekun is the Yoruba identify for the Leopard. It’s not the Tiger, Ekun. It’s also vital that I allay the fears of all those that have expressed misgivings as regards the standard of the personnel to be recruited to serve within the outfit. There may be an sufficient recruitment mechanism for the train. The standard safety businesses will take part, actively, in profiling the recruits.
“No one with questionable character will take part within the programme. We are going to make it tough for undesirable components to compound the challenges being encountered. Correct background checks can be carried out on personnel to be recruited whereas the wanted registration/identification of such personnel can be executed to make sure accountability.
“Let me seize this chance to as soon as once more respect the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police, State Safety Companies, Nigeria Safety and Civil Defence Corps and different safety businesses for his or her unrelenting efforts in combating the varied crimes threatening peace and safety in the complete nation.”
How ex-Legal professional Normal, Abubakar Malami opposed creation of Amotekun
Arogidigba International Journal remembers that the then federal authorities led by former President Muhammadu Buhari opposed Amotekun.
The then authorities by the Legal professional Normal and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami vehemently kicked towards the institution of Amotekun.
The then federal authorities described the creation of Amotekun as “unconstitutional’.
Malami, in a press release signed by his Particular Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Umar Gwandu, stated the institution of Amotekun was not backed by any identified regulation within the land.
“The organising of the paramilitary group known as ‘Amotekun’ is prohibited and runs opposite to the provisions of the Nigerian regulation. The Structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Military, Navy and Airforce, together with the Police and different quite a few paramilitary organisations for the aim of the defence of Nigeria.
“As a consequence of this, no State Authorities, whether or not singly or in a gaggle has the authorized proper and competence to ascertain any type of group or company for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent components.
“That is sanctioned by the supply of Merchandise 45 of the Second Schedule of the structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) authorizing the Police and different Federal Authorities safety providers established by regulation to keep up regulation and order.
“The regulation will take its pure course in relation to excesses related to group, administration and participation in “Amotekun” or steady affiliation with it as an affiliation.
“Lastly, you will need to placed on document that the Workplace of the Legal professional Normal and Minister of Justice was not consulted on the matter. If it had, correct info and steerage would have been supplied to make sure that Nigeria’s defence and company entity are preserved always,” he stated then.
Tinubu, Soyinka, Afenifere’s reactions doused rigidity, paved approach for Amotekun’s acceptability
Arogidigba International Journal remembers that the controversy over the institution of Amotekun lasted for a lot of weeks earlier than it subsided.
It grew to become a topic of debate amongst Nigerians, particularly these from the Western area, each at residence and within the Diaspora.
A few of those that spoke at completely different events in assist of Amotekun included the incumbent President, Bola Tinubu, who was the nationwide chief of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, at the moment.
Others had been Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and the pan Yoruba social-cultural group, Afenifere.
Tinubu in his response, blamed Malami for appearing unexpectedly in declaring Amotekun unlawful.
Tinubu, in a press release issued in January 2020 stated, “The Governors claimed they consulted repeatedly with the police and safety businesses. This was the suitable factor to do. Nevertheless, their failure to incorporate the workplace of the Legal professional-Normal in these discussions is the supply of the present public uproar.
“This was an unlucky omission the governors ought to remorse and search to treatment. Nevertheless, the conceptual deserves and constructive purposeful features of Amotekun shouldn’t be tainted by this procedural defect. Whereas the Legal professional-Normal is a conscientious public servant, he’s additionally human. Not having been consulted, he was immediately confronted with an sudden public announcement relating to a matter inside his official ambit.
“He doubtless feared the failure to seek the advice of him meant that federal prerogatives had been being encroached. Responsible him for this conclusion can be responsible human nature itself. Although his detrimental response was comprehensible it was additionally unhelpful. The Legal professional-Normal acted unexpectedly in rendering a public assertion that was extra inaccurate than it ought to have been. Amotekun was by no means proposed as a “defence” company; the Legal professional-Normal erred in utilizing this description.
“Using uniforms and brightly colored automobiles will not be one of the best concepts however they don’t render Amotekun a defence company or paramilitary group any greater than a chosen college van carrying uniformed college students constitutes a paramilitary deployment. Believing the governors had crossed the road, the Legal professional-Normal ought to have reached out to them. Earlier than going public, he ought to have sought a personal assembly in order that he may have a greater factual understanding of Amotekun.
“This could have enabled him to provide the governors any particular constitutional or different goals he may need. On this approach, the 2 sides would have engaged in non-public consultations to achieve settlement on the way in which ahead. This cooperative course of may need helped to right a number of the organisational lapses above recognized. Such a diplomatic and smart step additionally would have prevented the present public acrimony,” he stated.
Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, countered Malami.
Soyinka stated that Amotekun “has come to remain.”
He condemned the choice of the then Federal Authorities to outlaw the brand new safety outfit.
“The Amotekun outfit was arrange by the SouthWest governors to deal with instances of insecurity within the area which present safety our bodies have been unable to handle. Operation Amotekun has come to remain,” he stated then.
Equally, Afenifere, in its stand, instructed the South West governors to not be intimidated by Malami’s declaration.
Fasoranti stated, “Operation Amotekun is a welcome improvement, however they had been being requested to not do it. The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, insisted that they might do it.
“I would like them to go forward and do it within the curiosity of our individuals; we can not depart ourselves right here, and be helpless within the face of incessant onslaught.
“I feel he’s speaking for any person. Silence means consent, he’s speaking the thoughts of the presidency, that’s what they need. It confirms the suspicion that they’re attempting to guard some pursuits right here within the South-West. I agree with that too, in order that they will go on and do what they like with impunity. It’s unlucky.
“It is extremely dangerous to go away our individuals helpless, defenceless and with none succour; with none safety”.
Arogidigba International Journal studies that regardless of the opposition, Akeredolu championed the course of Amotekun until he died.
He stated that if the Federal authorities allowed safety outfits in some northern states to bear arms, then Amotekun needs to be on condition that proper as nicely.
Our correspondent studies that from Ondo to Ekiti, Osun to Oyo, Ogun to some components of Lagos State, Amotekun has turn out to be a family identify when it comes to immediate response to safety challenges, corresponding to kidnapping, armed theft and ritual killings.
It’s operational within the six South West states of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun, aside from Lagos.
All of the 5 purposeful states have handed the legal guidelines establishing Amotekun of their respective states.
The Ekiti State Home of Meeting handed the invoice for the institution of Amotekun into regulation in February 2020.
The then governor, Kayode Fayemi signed the invoice into regulation in March 2020.
Oyo State Home of Meeting adopted swimsuit in March 2020.
The invoice was subsequently signed into regulation by governor Seyi Makinde a couple of days after.
Arogidigba International Journal studies {that a} comparable feat was recorded in Osun, Ogun and Ondo.
Maintain Amotekun to immortalise Akeredolu – Oyo NUJ tells South West governors
It’s in recognition of the position performed by Akeredolu in the course of the institution of Amotekun that the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council, enjoined the governors within the zone to maintain the safety outfit.
The union made this declaration through a communique issued on the finish of its month-to-month congress, presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola.
The communique was ready by the trio of Comrade Seye Ojo – Chairman, Comrade Ismail Fasasi – Secretary and Comrade Mosun Akinola – Member.
It learn, “The Congress paid glowing tributes to the fast previous governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN), who died within the early hours of Wednesday December 27, 2023.
“It commiserated with Akeredolu’s household, the individuals of Ondo State, and South West on his demise after a protracted battle with prostate most cancers. It said that Akeredolu spent a serious a part of his life in Ibadan and in addition invested within the metropolis, which made him a uncommon gem to each Oyo State and Ondo State, his residence state.
“The Congress famous that Akeredolu performed a major position within the conceptualisation and formation of Western Nigeria Safety Community, in any other case often called Amotekun Corps, which has cascaded right down to state safety networks within the South West, thereby serving as native police within the geo-political zone with a view to enhancing the safety structure of the zone.
“The Congress stated Akeredolu remained the Chairman South West Governors’ Discussion board earlier than his demise. He was very articulate and battled with the Federal Authorities until the formation of the Amotekun Corps.
“The Council additionally counseled the gallant effort and bravado of Akeredolu towards the onslaught of legal herdsmen within the zone, which led to the assault on St Francis Catholic Cathedral in Owo, his hometown in Ondo State, throughout which bandits killed not less than 40 worshippers on Sunday June 5, 2022.
“The Congress appealed to the South West Governors to immortalise Akeredolu by upholding his legacies, particularly on the formation of the Amotekun Corps.”
We’ve got made a number of arrests – Oyo Amotekun Commandant
The Oyo State commandant of Amotekun, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd) whereas talking, famous that the safety outfit has recorded many achievements since its creation.
He added that many suspects have been arrested.
He famous that a number of the instances dealt with by the safety outfit have been transferred to the police.
Olayanju, who spoke throughout a phone dialog with Arogidigba International Journal, stated that the safety outfit can not assess itself however the individuals.
“How can I assess myself? It’s the individuals that can inform you.
“I can not inform you that. I do know that now we have made many arrests. Some have been transferred to the police,” he said.
Akeredolu institutionalised Amotekun earlier than he died – Chairman, Council of Amotekun commandants
The Chairman, Council of Amotekun commandants in South West, Adetunji Adeleye, whereas talking with Arogidigba International Journal, stated that Akeredolu noticed Amotekun past himself.
He maintained that what Amotekun has achieved won’t be potential with out the previous governor.
Adeleye, who can be the Commandant of Amotekun in Ondo State, maintained that the previous governor institutionalised Amotekun as a full-fledged grassroots safety outfit within the state.
He famous that the state was confronted with three main safety issues corresponding to kidnapping, armed robberies and farmers/ herders clashes.
He, nonetheless, stated that each one the issues have been decreased to the barest minimal because the formation of the safety outfit in 2020.
In response to him, “In Ondo State, we took the lead in signing into regulation the Amotekun. Once I took up the Amotekun in Ondo State, there have been three main safety issues- armed theft, kidnapping and farmers/ herders clashes.
“Essentially the most prevalent is the farmers/herders clashes. Inside one month of resumption, I obtained about 5,000 petitions and I moved into motion. So inside my first 90 days, I arrested over 10,000 cows.
“Considerably, we commenced state patrols. Inside one month, we ensured a drastic discount of crime price within the state. By the tip of 2020, we commenced border patrols between Ondo and Osun and Ekiti states. We rescued over 100 kidnapped victims and arrested many kidnappers.
“Alongside the road in 2021, Akeredolu made certain that the regulation establishing Amotekun was reviewed, which gave us extra alternatives and authorized framework to work, as I discuss to you in the present day, I’ve over 5,000 individuals within the correctional middle. We now prosecute straight with out the police.
“As I discuss to you in the present day, farmers/herders clashes have decreased by greater than 80 per cent. Once more, armed theft has decreased, financial institution theft is zero.
“I additionally need to place it on document, for those who have a look at the information, we just lately paraded about 62 criminals out of which about 40 of them are kidnappers. We’ve got rescued over a thousand victims since our inception.
“I’ll inform you that Akeredolu has institutionalised Amotekun as a full-fledged grassroots safety outfit in Ondo State. We do all these with energetic synergy with all safety businesses in Ondo State.
“Fortunately, I equally doubled because the Corps Commander and S.A. Safety to the federal government of Ondo State and I’m equally the Chairman of the Council of Amotekun commandants within the South West, so this provides me such massive zeal to coordinate all of the Amotekun within the 5 energetic states.
“So, I need to place it on document that each one these wouldn’t have been potential with out the backing of governor Akeredolu. It was like he noticed it past himself”.
Amotekun’s formation wouldn’t be potential with out Akeredolu – Maja-Maja
A Yoruba socio-cultural group, Maja-Maja, has declared that what is understood in the present day as Amotekun wouldn’t be potential with out Akeredolu.
Coordinator of the group, Comrade Adedina Akinpelu made this declaration whereas talking with Arogidigba International Journal.
Akinpelu instructed Arogidigba International Journal that the menace of kidnapping, armed theft and farmers/herdsmen clashes which prompted the formation of Amotekun have decreased within the area.
“Even when some governors within the Yoruba states moved towards him, he led the wrestle. He received the wrestle.
“In a nutshell, he received the battle. The speed of kidnapping and armed theft have decreased within the South West. You can not evaluate then with what is occurring now. We are able to’t say 100 per cent, however 85 per cent,” he declared.