4th January, 2024
By Muftau Ogunyemi
The commanders of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps in five South West states of Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Ondo on Wednesday staged a five – kilometre walk in Akure, the Ondo State capital in honour of late governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The Commanders walked from the Cathedral area to the Governor’s office in Akure in the company of their officers and men where they were received by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo
Speaking at the governor’s office, on behalf of the commanders, Mr Adetunji Adeleye, Commander of Ondo State Security Network, noted that the late Akeredolu will continue to be remembered for his legacy.
Adeleye, who is the Chairman of the South West Amotekun Commanders, appreciated the officers and men of the corps for their unrelenting efforts.
“We have met all the governors and all of them have shown their solidarity to the people of Ondo State.
“All the corps commanders travelled from their various states today, that’s the essence of the five kilometres walk we embarked on today.
“The good work he (Akeredolu) did, mainly in the security system in South-West, is worth mentioning.
“We all knew what the security situation was before the creation of Amotekun, that’s about three years ago, and we are living testimony of the fact that security in the South-West has greatly improved.
“We are resolute in continuing the good work that he started. That’s our contribution to immortalising him as our great leader.
“Akeredolu was resolute and sincere at making sure that Amotekun corps became a reality,” he said.
Also, the Corps Commander from Oyo, retired Col. Olayinka Olayanju noted that the corps would continue to operate.
In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that the governors of the South West zone will continue to work together to ensure the continuity of the Amotekun initiative.
The governor appreciated the corps for protecting the lives and properties of citizens in the zone and noted that their activities over the years in protecting the people could not be overemphasised.
“I can assure you that Amotekun will be sustained because of its role in the society because the security of lives and properties of the people of the south West zone is very important to us, we will use whatever is in our possession to support and sustain it,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa, therefore, commended the Amotekun corps commanders and their men for honouring the late Akeredolu, “whose passage was a monumental loss to the state and Amotekun as a whole”.
(NAN)