Governors, former governors, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Afenifere, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other prominent stakeholders have paid tribute to the late former Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, praising his courage, visionary leadership and persistent advocacy for state police in Nigeria.
The tributes were delivered at a posthumous 70th birthday colloquium organised by the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Foundation at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan (UI). The event was themed, “Fundamentals and Governance of State Policing: Towards a New Architecture for National Security in Nigeria.”
Speakers at the gathering said Akeredolu’s contributions to the debates on decentralised policing, true federalism, justice and regional cooperation continued to shape conversations about Nigeria’s security challenges and governance structure.
Aiyedatiwa Highlights Akeredolu’s Role in State Police Advocacy
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said Akeredolu played a significant role in advancing the campaign for state police and a more effective security architecture for the country.
He highlighted the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, by Akeredolu and other South-West governors as an important demonstration of the role subnational governments and local communities could play in protecting citizens.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the initiative has grown beyond its regional origins and become an important part of Nigeria’s national debate on decentralised policing.
Dapo Abiodun: Akeredolu’s Vision for State Police Will Live On
Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, said Akeredolu’s vision for state police would not die with him.
Abiodun maintained that the most meaningful way to honour the late governor was to complete the work he started, particularly his campaign for decentralised policing and a stronger regional security framework.
His remarks reinforced calls for policymakers to translate Akeredolu’s longstanding advocacy into concrete reforms capable of addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Fayemi Says State Police Advocacy Is Yielding Results
Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi described Akeredolu as a courageous defender of the defenceless whose commitment to justice, equity and the common good transcended political affiliations.
Fayemi said Akeredolu’s sustained campaign for multi-level policing was beginning to produce results, pointing to the proposed state police framework undergoing consideration by state assemblies.
He noted that the late governor’s position on policing reflected his broader commitment to fairness, effective governance and a federal structure that gives states greater responsibility for addressing local security concerns.
DAWN Commission Praises Akeredolu’s Amotekun Legacy
Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Seye Oyeleye, said Akeredolu demonstrated through the establishment of Amotekun that regional and state-level policing initiatives could work.
Oyeleye described the late governor as a warrior who remained committed to the regional security project despite opposition.
He said Akeredolu’s determination helped sustain the campaign for a security system that gives states and regions a more meaningful role in responding to threats within their communities.
Afenifere, NBA Honour Late Ondo Governor
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Afenifere also praised Akeredolu’s courage, leadership and commitment to justice.
Its Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, represented the organisation at the event and joined other prominent Nigerians in recognising the late governor’s contributions to governance and security reform.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, represented by Ikeazor Akaraiwe (SAN), also commended Akeredolu’s visionary leadership and dedication to justice.
Other dignitaries at the colloquium included Lagos State Secretary to the Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Ekiti State Secretary to the State Government, Habibat Omolara Adubiaro, who represented Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Akeredolu’s State Police Campaign Remains Central to Security Debate
The colloquium highlighted Akeredolu’s enduring influence on discussions about restructuring Nigeria’s security system and strengthening federalism.
His role in promoting Amotekun and advocating state police placed him among the prominent voices calling for a decentralised approach to internal security.
Participants maintained that completing the reforms he championed would serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy and help advance the search for effective solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
As discussions on the proposed state police framework continue across the country, Akeredolu’s advocacy remains a key reference point in the debate over the powers and responsibilities of federal and state governments in protecting Nigerians.