ONDO STATE'S DAY IN LAGOS By: Allen Sowore, Esq

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ONDO STATE’S DAY IN LAGOS By: Allen Sowore, Esq

Lagos, the bustling commercial hub of Nigeria, played host to the 2024 Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference—a fortuitous choice that allowed Ondo State to step into the limelight.

The NBA leadership took the opportunity to honour one of its former presidents, the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON, with a memorial lecture. The lecture, part of a Leadership Series, was aptly titled, “Is State Police a Solution to National Insecurity?”

During his tenure as Governor of Ondo State and Chairman of the Western Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Arakunrin Akeredolu was a staunch advocate for the establishment of state police as a necessary response to Nigeria’s growing security challenges. His vision of a decentralized security architecture was clear and unyielding.

In recognition of this vision, the NBA fittingly invited the current governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to lead the advocacy themed ‘Pressing Forward: A Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria.” This session was dedicated to calling for the urgent establishment of state-based security structures nationwide. Ondo State, now a model of effective homeland security with its Amotekun Corps, was given a full session to showcase its progress.

By 1:00 pm, the Amotekun Corps had taken their positions at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, where the event was being held. Their strategic placement at the VIP entrance, combined with an orchestral performance of beautiful symphonies, set the tone for the day.

The Master of Ceremonies soon announced the arrival of Governor Aiyedatiwa, marking the formal commencement of the event. The applause that greeted his entrance was still reverberating when the National Anthem was played, followed by the state anthem. Once the audience had settled, the microphone was passed to the chairman of the special session to begin the lecture series.

Governor Aiyedatiwa was then invited to the podium. He began by calling for a moment of silence to honour his late mentor and benefactor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON.

With his characteristic eloquence, Governor Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the protocols and launched into a compelling speech, highlighting Ondo State’s natural resources—crude oil, gold, a long coastline, and its status as a leading cocoa producer—as the state’s bragging rights.

He spoke on the inadequacies of the centrally controlled policing system, which has struggled to address the myriad security challenges Nigeria faces, including kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. He then offered a beacon of hope:

“Interestingly, a glimmer of hope emerged from the heart of Ondo State with the birth of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as the AMOTEKUN Corps. Under the visionary leadership of my late Principal and former Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, in collaboration with his fellow Governors in the South West, this groundbreaking home-grown initiative was developed. AMOTEKUN has soared to unprecedented heights, becoming a shining example of the transformative power of state-level security.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa expertly addressed concerns about the potential abuse of state security forces by governors, as well as issues related to training and funding. He lauded the achievements of the Amotekun Corps and concluded with a stirring call to action:

“Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen, the time for action is now. Let us rise above the challenges and embrace the promise of state policing—a vision that the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, fought for so passionately. Let us honour his legacy by ensuring that the AMOTEKUN Corps and its counterparts across the country become institutions that stand the test of time and beacons of hope in the fight against insecurity.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s lecture left no doubt about the pressing need for state police across Nigeria.

The few minutes allocated to the Commandant of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, were equally impactful. He recounted the successes of the security network, highlighting their role in thwarting bank robberies and distinguishing criminals posing as herdsmen from genuine herders. He also shared how the Corps has overcome formidable challenges in the forests, often with minimal resources, yet consistently emerged victorious.

Later that evening, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo SAN, suggested that the Governor host a dinner for Ondo State participants, providing an opportunity for him to interact with lawyers from his state. The gathering was a warm and convivial one, bringing together key stakeholders in the state’s judiciary, particularly from the Bar. The evening was filled with laughter, shared jokes, and friendly banter.

As the dinner concluded and the Governor stepped out of the hall, all eyes turned towards him. From Tafawa Balewa Square on the Island to the Mainland in faraway Lagos, the Governor, along with the lawyers from the state and members of the indomitable Amotekun Corps, stole the show. It was indeed a day for Ondo State to shine as a state of example.

Comrade Allen Sowore Esq.
SSA to the Governor on Strategic Communication
27th August, 2024