Abiodun: Ogun Positions Over 6,000 Amotekun, So-Safe Operatives for State Police
Governor says Assembly has approved state police creation, pledges stronger security architecture
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that more than 6,000 personnel drawn from the state-owned security outfits, Amotekun and So-Safe Corps, are available to form the manpower base for the proposed Ogun State Police Command.
The Governor said his administration had already laid a foundation for the establishment of a State Police structure, expressing confidence that the existing security personnel would provide the necessary operational experience and manpower to strengthen security across the State.
Abiodun made this known during the 50th Anniversary celebration of Ereke Day in Ikenne, Ikenne Local Government Area, where he described the Ogun State House of Assembly’s approval of the creation of State Police as a major development in the state’s efforts to enhance public safety.
The Governor, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Committee on State Police Creation and represents President Bola Tinubu in the committee, said Ogun State was prepared to translate the initiative into a functional security arrangement.
According to him, the combined strength of Amotekun and So-Safe Corps, which exceeds 6,000 personnel, provides an existing manpower advantage for the proposed state policing system.
“Between Amotekun and So-Safe Corps, we have over 6,000 personnel. We are ready for the Ogun State Police Command, and that will make the difference in protecting the lives and property of our people,” he said.
He maintained that security remained a critical requirement for economic expansion, investment and sustainable development, noting that effective collaboration between host communities and security agencies was necessary to maintain a peaceful environment.
In a related development, Abiodun directed the immediate reconstruction of the Delabo-Ikenne Road, explaining that the project would improve transportation, ease movement and create better opportunities for commercial and other economic activities within the community.
Speaking on the significance of Ereke Day’s golden jubilee, the governor described the 50-year celebration as a reflection of the unity, cultural identity and shared aspirations that had sustained the Ikenne community across generations.
He said the milestone represented the sacrifices of previous generations and the collective determination of the people to preserve their heritage while building a prosperous future.
Abiodun commended the traditional rulers and the Ikenne Traditional Council of Chiefs for their contributions to maintaining communal harmony, promoting cultural values and supporting development initiatives.
He also acknowledged the Ikenne Community Development Association for its efforts in mobilising the intellectual, human and financial resources of indigenes towards addressing the developmental needs of the area.
The governor observed that Ereke Day had grown beyond its original cultural significance to become an avenue for intellectual discussions, community development, infrastructure advancement and the preservation of the people’s historical identity.
” Eреke Day represents much more than an annual cultural gathering. It is a powerful demonstration of what a united and purposeful community can accomplish,” he stated.
Describing Ikenne as a community with significant historical contributions to Ogun State and Nigeria, Abiodun recalled its association with notable personalities, including the late nationalist and statesman, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and renowned educationist, Dr Tai Solarin.
He said their contributions to education, democratic governance and national development remained important parts of the community’s legacy.
On infrastructure, the governor disclosed that his administration had constructed and rehabilitated more than 1,700 kilometres of roads across Ogun State, including over 40 roads in Remoland.
He said the interventions were aimed at improving connectivity, opening up rural communities and facilitating economic activities across different parts of the state.
Abiodun, however, stressed that infrastructure development could only produce lasting benefits in an atmosphere of peace and security, urging residents to take collective responsibility for protecting their communities.
He particularly cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, political differences should not become reasons for hostility, destruction or the breakdown of peaceful coexistence.
“No political ambition is worth the peace of our community, and no temporary inducement is worth sacrificing your future,” he warned.
He encouraged young people to embrace responsible political participation, patriotism and maturity, insisting that electoral activities should be centred on ideas, leadership performance and constructive engagement rather than intimidation or violence.
The governor also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals and Ikenne indigenes living outside the country to sustain their contributions towards the advancement of their ancestral home.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Kunle Soname, described Abiodun as a worthy son of Remoland, acknowledging his administration’s interventions in Ikenne.
Soname particularly highlighted the donation of a 500KVA transformer and the reconstruction of Awolowo Road, alongside other government projects and interventions in the community.
He assured the governor of the continued support of the people of Ikenne and Remoland for his administration.
