Operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, from Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Ondo states organized a walk on Thursday in Akure to pay tribute to the late Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.
Akeredolu’s successor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, joined Amotekun corps during the walk from the Cathedral area of Akure to the Governor’s Office.
The Global News had previously reported that Akeredolu passed away on December 27, 2023, following an extended struggle with prostate cancer. He was 67 years old.
In his capacity as the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Akeredolu played a pivotal role in rallying his counterparts from the six South-West states to establish Amotekun, a regional security outfit. This initiative was a response to the increasing insecurity, specifically addressing attacks on farmers and kidnappings perpetrated by criminal elements.
Despite initial opposition from the Federal Government, spearheaded by then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), Akeredolu, who was also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), guided his fellow South-West governors in successfully establishing Amotekun.
During the walk on Thursday, Aiyedatiwa said South-West governors would continue to work together to ensure the continuity of Amotekun.
He said, “I can assure you that Amotekun will be sustained because of its role in society; because the security of lives and property of the people of the South-West zone is very important to us; we will use whatever is in our possession to support and sustain it.”
He commended the Amotekun corps and commanders for honouring Akeredolu, “whose passage was a monumental loss to the state and Amotekun as a whole.”
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the commander of the Ondo Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, said Akeredolu would continue to be remembered for his legacy.
Adeleye, who is the Chairman of the South West Amotekun Commanders, appreciated the officers and men of the corps for their unrelenting efforts.
“We have met all the governors and all of them have shown their solidarity with the people of Ondo State.
“All the corps commanders travelled all the way from their various states today; that’s the essence of the 5km walk we embarked on today.
“The good work he (Akeredolu) did, mainly in the security system in South-West, is worth mentioning.
“We all knew what the security situation was before the creation of Amotekun; that’s about three years ago, and we are a living testimony to the fact that security in the South-West has greatly improved.
“We are resolute to continue the good work that he (Akeredolu) started. That’s our own contribution to immortalising him as our great leader.
“Akeredolu was resolute and sincere at making sure that Amotekun corps became a reality,” he said.
Also, the Corps Commander from Oyo, retired Col. Olayinka Olayanju, pledged that the corps would continue to operate.
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