The late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, is widely remembered for his unwavering commitment to the security of his people, a resolve epitomized by his pivotal role in establishing the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun. His famous declaration, “I won’t play politics with the lives of my people,” underscored a principled stance that prioritised citizen safety above political expediency. This regional security initiative emerged as a direct response to escalating insecurity across Nigeria’s Southwest, becoming a hallmark of his administration and a significant part of his enduring legacy.
Akeredolu, who passed away in December 2023, championed the establishment of Amotekun in 2020 alongside other governors of the Southwest geopolitical zone. The decision arose from a period of heightened concern over rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and conflicts between herders and farmers that severely threatened rural communities and major highways. Traditional federal security apparatuses often appeared overwhelmed or thinly spread, prompting regional leaders to seek a complementary solution rooted in local intelligence and community engagement.
The journey to operationalise Amotekun was fraught with initial resistance, particularly from the federal government, which questioned its legality and potential to undermine national security structures. Despite these challenges, Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, leveraged his legal expertise and political will to advocate fiercely for the outfit’s constitutional legitimacy. He insisted that the security network was not a parallel force but rather a necessary local response designed to assist and enhance the efforts of existing law enforcement agencies.
His steadfast leadership was instrumental in navigating the political and legal hurdles, culminating in the formal establishment of Amotekun through enabling laws passed by the respective state Houses of Assembly. The outfit’s mandate included intelligence gathering, forest patrolling, and swift response to local security threats, often leveraging local knowledge and personnel. This proactive approach aimed to bridge critical security gaps, providing a sense of reassurance to residents who had long felt vulnerable to criminal elements operating within their communities.
Since its inception, Amotekun has recorded notable successes in combating various forms of criminality, from apprehending kidnappers to recovering stolen livestock and mediating community disputes. Its operatives, drawn largely from local communities, possess an inherent understanding of the terrain and cultural nuances, which has proven invaluable in intelligence gathering and effective crime prevention. The presence of Amotekun corps has demonstrably reduced incidents of rural banditry and enhanced the safety of farmlands and inter-state roads within the region.
However, Amotekun’s operations have not been without scrutiny. Questions have occasionally been raised regarding its operational scope, arms proliferation, and potential for human rights abuses, though these instances are often attributed to the inherent complexities of security operations in a diverse region. Akeredolu consistently advocated for strict adherence to rules of engagement and professionalism, emphasizing that the outfit’s primary goal was the protection of innocent lives and property, not an infringement on rights.
Akeredolu’s vision extended beyond merely establishing a security outfit; he envisioned a framework where regional security could be proactively managed by those with the deepest understanding of local challenges. He argued passionately for decentralised policing, believing that state and regional entities were better positioned to address unique security dynamics than a solely centralised federal system. This philosophy informed his relentless pursuit of Amotekun’s sustainability and effectiveness.
The late governor’s legacy in Ondo State and the wider Southwest is inextricably linked to his courageous stance on security. He demonstrated a rare political will to confront a national issue with a regional solution, earning him both commendation and criticism. His advocacy for Amotekun helped to reshape the discourse on internal security in Nigeria, pushing for greater devolution of powers and a more community-centric approach to law enforcement.
The impact of Amotekun, though still evolving, represents a significant paradigm shift in Nigeria’s security architecture. It stands as a testament to Akeredolu’s belief that leaders must prioritise the well-being of their constituents, even when faced with significant political and structural impediments. His commitment to “not play politics with the lives of my people” remains a powerful statement that resonates deeply with those he served.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with multifaceted security challenges, the template provided by Amotekun, championed by Governor Akeredolu, offers valuable lessons in regional cooperation and community-led security initiatives. His foresight in establishing a locally responsive security network continues to contribute to the ongoing stability and safety of the Southwest, cementing his place as a leader who prioritised the fundamental right to life and security above all else.
