𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒇 𝑶𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒚𝒂𝒏, 𝑶𝒅o𝒇𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑶𝒏𝒅𝒐 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒏 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒚. #𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚

AKETI @70: MAKINDE’S ABSENCE AND AMOTEKUN’S POOR REPRESENTATION SEND A DANGEROUS SIGNAL By Bolarinwa Ayoola Just a week ago, family members, friends, associates and admirers of the late Governor of Ondo State, Arákùnrin Odunayo @RotimiAkeredolu , SAN, CON, gathered at the famous International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan to celebrate the life and legacy of a man whose contributions to Yorubaland, regional security and the struggle for State Police remain significant. Organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (@DAWNCommission ) Commission and the Akeredolu Foundation, the posthumous birthday colloquium, tagged Aketi @70, brought the venue alive with traditional drums, music, cultural performances and the presence of distinguished personalities, political leaders and socio cultural organisations from across Yorubaland. Beyond the celebration, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the life of a statesman whose commitment to public service and the advancement of Yoruba interests left an enduring mark on the region. However, amid the tributes, cultural performances and celebration of Akeredolu’s life, an uncomfortable question emerged. Where were the governors of Ọ̀yọ́ and Ọṣun States? While the Governor of Lagos State was represented by the state’s Permanent Secretary, who delivered his goodwill message, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Òndó State and Governor @DapoAbiodunCON of Ògún State attended personally. Èkìtì State was also duly represented. The absence of the Ọ̀yọ́ and Ọṣun governors was conspicuous, but the absence of Governor @seyimakinde deserves particular attention because of Ọ̀yọ́ State’s direct connection to the Amotekun initiative and the significance of Akeredolu’s contribution to regional security. Governor @LuckyAiyedatiwa and Governor Dapo Abiodun deserve commendation for personally attending the event. Their presence demonstrated recognition of Akeredolu’s contributions beyond the boundaries of Ondo State. Governor Abiodun deserves particular commendation for delivering the keynote address, in which he reiterated the urgency of actualising State Police and emphasised the enduring value of the late statesman’s contributions. His message was a reminder that remembering Akeredolu should mean more than celebrating his birthday after death. It should also mean pursuing the ideals for which he worked. The actualisation of State Police remains an urgent question of security and governance in Nigeria. The need for a more responsive policing structure is inseparable from the safety of our communities and the ability of security institutions to address local threats effectively. Akeredolu was among the prominent voices who pushed this debate forward, and his contribution deserves to be recognised by every state that stands to benefit from a more effective security architecture. Governor Seyi Makinde’s absence remains deeply disappointing. What makes his absence particularly difficult to comprehend is the direct connection between Oyo State and Amotekun. Ibadan, the capital of the state he governs, hosted the launch of the regional security network that Akeredolu worked so hard to bring into existence. Oyo State was part of the regional effort that produced Amotekun, an initiative established to strengthen security cooperation and respond to the peculiar security challenges confronting communities across the South West. Equally troubling was the seemingly scanty representation of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, at the colloquium. Amotekun must not become a political instrument for sending messages, rewarding allies or expressing hostility towards opponents. Its fundamental responsibility is to protect lives and property and serve communities within its lawful mandate. Its institutional identity must transcend the political fortunes and personal preferences of individual governors. Cont'd. .... – at Ibadan, Nigeria