The Ondo State Government has declared its complete readiness to establish a state police force, asserting that all necessary security architectures are already functional within the state.
Speaking at the June 12 Democracy Day anniversary lecture in Akure, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa revealed that the state does not need to build its security apparatus from scratch. Instead, it only requires federal approval to equip its existing personnel with more sophisticated weaponry and equipment to combat rising security challenges.
Governor Aiyedatiwa identified insecurity as the single greatest threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability. To safeguard the region, the governor highlighted recent aggressive expansions of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps. He noted that his administration has significantly enhanced operative welfare and has approved the recruitment of 500 additional personnel to fortify the corps’ intelligence and operational capabilities across local government areas.
“Ondo State is fully prepared for the establishment of State Police. The necessary structures are already in place through our Amotekun Corps, and we only require the legislative and federal approval to upgrade their equipment to tackle modern security threats,” Governor Aiyedatiwa stated during his address to state stakeholders.
National Icons Reflect on Democracy and Reforms
The anniversary event also featured prominent national leaders who connected the state’s security demands to the broader struggle for Nigerian democracy. Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole praised the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO Abiola) as an enduring symbol of courage and democratic resilience. Oshiomhole urged the current generation to uphold the core values of the historic June 12, 1993 election, while simultaneously throwing his support behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms. Additionally, he advocated for a mandatory return of History as a core subject in Nigerian schools to preserve democratic heritage.
Adding a historical perspective to the dialogue, elder statesman Chief Olu Falae reflected on the immense personal and national sacrifices made during the military era to secure civilian rule. Falae issued a stern warning against any form of military intervention in Nigeria’s governance, stressing that citizens must actively protect and nurture the nation’s democratic institutions despite current economic hardships.
The commemorative lecture ultimately concluded with a unified call to action from Southwest leaders, who urged for strengthened democratic institutions, localized security models, and peaceful civic participation ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections.
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