Gov Adeleke Announces Major Reforms for Osun Amotekun Security Force

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has announced a comprehensive reform of the Amotekun Corps, aimed at enhancing its role as a bridge between local communities and federal security agencies.

This initiative was revealed in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, following a meeting with a delegation from the Ife Development Board at the Government House in Osogbo on Monday, September 16th, 2024.

Adeleke emphasized, “My administration is already reforming the state’s Amotekun security service as a bridge between local communities and the federal security services. Local vigilante and forest hunters would henceforth be working with Amotekun service and other formal security agencies to secure Osun cities and rural areas.”

The governor expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of development in Ile-Ife, an ancient city of important historical and cultural importance. He unveiled plans for substantial infrastructure upgrades, including the Lagere flyover and the dualisation of the road leading to the Ooni’s palace. Highlighting the city's global importance, Adeleke stated, “Ile-Ife is too important to remain underdeveloped. The city cannot continue to look like a village, especially when hosting global visitors.”

Flanked by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Governor Adeleke underlined Ile-Ife’s role as the cultural capital and spiritual home of all Yoruba people worldwide. He also noted the city's importance as a tourism and religious hub, attracting visitors from North and South America and other parts of the world. The governor expressed gratitude to the Ooni of Ife and other community leaders for their support of ongoing projects, particularly the Lagere flyover and road dualisation.

In addition to cultural and tourism considerations, Adeleke pointed out the economic significance of the Lagere flyover, which serves as a key business junction connecting Osun West, Ilesa, and Ondo through Garage Olode. On the agricultural front, he announced that the state government would soon unveil an AFDB-supported agricultural processing zone to be located in Ile-Ife.

The president of the Ife Development Board, Gbenga Adefaye, commended Governor Adeleke for his development efforts in Osun State, particularly in Ile-Ife, and listed requests related to road expansion, security, and agriculture.