Oluwo of Iwo Commends Osun Amotekun Corps for Outstanding Performance

 

…As Corps Commander Omoyele Commissions New Area Command Office in Agbowo-Iwo

The Oluwo of Iwo, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has lauded the performance of the Osun Amotekun Corps, describing its efforts in combating crime and enhancing community security as “remarkable and commendable.”

The first-class monarch made this statement on Thursday when he received the leadership of the Osun Amotekun Corps at his palace ahead of the official commissioning of the newly constructed Iwo Area Command Office of the Corps in Agbowo.

The visit was led by the Corps Commander, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, alongside the Field Commander, Dr. Hon. Olusoji Benedict Akanni.

In his remarks, Oba Akanbi expressed his initial skepticism when the Amotekun security initiative was first introduced across the South-West geopolitical zone, especially in the wake of rising insecurity and attacks on farmers by suspected herdsmen.

“At the inception, I doubted what Amotekun could do. But today, I am proud to say that their performance has surpassed expectations. Their impact in curbing criminal activities in our communities has been nothing short of wonderful,” Oba Akanbi stated.

He specifically commended the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for initiating the Amotekun Corps and setting the pace for regional security collaboration. The monarch also expressed appreciation to the current Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, for his unwavering support of the Corps.

The Oluwo called on traditional rulers and influential stakeholders across Osun State and the entire South-West to continue to support and collaborate with the Amotekun initiative, which he described as a vital instrument for grassroots security and peace.

In response, the Corps Commander of Osun Amotekun, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, expressed his gratitude to the Oluwo for his royal blessings and support.

Omoyele reiterated the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, assuring that the organization would not relent in its mandate. He disclosed that upon assuming office, the Corps was operating with minimal personnel. However, thanks to Governor Adeleke’s intervention, 1,150 new operatives were recruited, increasing the Corps’ strength to 1,450 officers.

“With this boost in manpower, we have been able to strengthen our local government commands, and we are better positioned to respond swiftly and effectively to security challenges across Osun State,” Omoyele said.

He further commended the Governor for ongoing support and affirmed that more personnel are expected to be recruited in the coming months. Omoyele also pledged to maintain close ties with royal institutions across the state, stating that traditional rulers remain strategic partners in intelligence gathering and community engagement.

Highlighting global recognition of the Amotekun initiative, he announced that July 7 has now been officially recognized by the United Nations as World Amotekun Day, marking a significant milestone since he assumed leadership of the Osun State Corps.

Later during the day, High Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele commissioned the newly built Amotekun Area Command Office located in Agbowo-Iwo. The office is expected to serve as the operational headquarters for the Corps within the Iwo axis, facilitating faster response to security concerns and stronger coordination with local communities.

Omoyele praised the Olu of Agbowo, His Royal Highness Oba Musibau Akande Gbenusola I, for his initiative in providing the land and overseeing the construction of the command office. He also acknowledged the support of the Osun Amotekun Board Chairman, AIG Wale Abbas (Rtd), and the Field Commander, Dr. Capt. Olusoji Benedict Akanni, for their presence and commitment to the Corps’ success.

“This project stands as a testament to what community partnership can achieve. It will serve its purpose and contribute immensely to the security of Agbowo and its environs,” he said.

In his remarks, the Olu of Agbowo, HRH Oba Musibau Akande Gbenusola I, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who supported the successful execution of the Amotekun Area Command Office project. He extended special thanks to indigenes of the town, both at home and in the diaspora, for their contributions.

Oba Gbenusola also thanked the Oluwo of Iwo for his fatherly support and leadership, and encouraged other traditional rulers, community leaders, and influential figures to align with the vision of securing the state through grassroots-driven initiatives like the Amotekun Corps.

“Security is everyone’s business. We must rise in unity to protect our heritage, people, and properties. Amotekun has proven to be a worthy force, and we must sustain and support it,” he concluded.

The commissioning of the new Area Command Office in Agbowo marks another significant step in the evolution of community-based security architecture in Osun State. With the commitment of traditional rulers, government backing, and active community participation, the Osun Amotekun Corps continues to position itself as a formidable force in the fight against crime and insecurity in the state.

Signed:

Yusuf Idowu Abass 

Public Relations Officer 

Osun Amotekun Corps