Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said the late former governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, remains a defining figure in Nigeria’s evolving security architecture, two years after his death.
Aiyedatiwa noted that Akeredolu’s strong advocacy for state policing and his central role in the establishment of the South-West Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, fundamentally reshaped the approach to subnational security in the country.
Naijaonpoint reports that the governor stated this in a tribute released on Saturday to mark the second anniversary of Akeredolu’s passing.
Describing the former governor as a courageous and principled leader, Aiyedatiwa said Akeredolu’s legacy continues to resonate across Ondo State and beyond.
“Two years ago, we bid a painful farewell to a true statesman, a visionary leader, and one of the champions of progressive governance, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, former Governor of Ondo State,” he said.
According to him, Akeredolu’s death was a major loss to both the state and the nation.
“His passing was a huge loss to Ondo State and Nigeria, but his legacy continues to inspire, motivate, and challenge us,” Aiyedatiwa added.
The governor recalled that Akeredolu was at the forefront of the push for decentralised policing at a time when insecurity was becoming a national concern.
He said the late governor’s belief in protecting lives and property led him to rally his South-West counterparts to establish Amotekun.
“Akeredolu’s advocacy for State policing drove his initiative to mobilise his South-West colleagues in establishing the South West Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, to enhance the security of the people of Yorubaland in general and Ondo State in particular,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also recalled Akeredolu’s firm and uncompromising stance on security matters, quoting one of his most memorable declarations: “I will not play politics with the lives of my people.”
According to the governor, the creation of Amotekun marked a turning point in Nigeria’s internal security thinking.
“This courageous intervention redefined Nigeria’s subnational security architecture,” he said.
He added that what began as a regional initiative has now gained wider national acceptance.
“A foresight that has since gained national acceptance, with recent Senate resolutions aligning with the President’s reform agenda to decentralise policing and strengthen intelligence-led security, paving the way for constitutional and legislative backing,” Aiyedatiwa noted.
Beyond security reforms, the governor said Akeredolu’s leadership philosophy was anchored on continuity, mentorship and institutional stability.
He recalled that the former governor consistently emphasised the responsibility of leaders to prepare others for the future.
“At different fora, including his landmark address at our joint inauguration on 24 February 2021, he spoke openly about the responsibility of leaders to deliberately prepare others for the future and to make room for growth through guidance, trust, and institutional stability,” he said.
Marking the second anniversary of Akeredolu’s death, Aiyedatiwa said the government and people of Ondo State were united in celebrating his contributions to security, governance and development.
“As government and people of Ondo State, we remember and honour Arakunrin Akeredolu on the second anniversary of his passing,” he said.
“We celebrate his passion for development, enduring impacts, advocacy for justice, equity, and unity.”
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving the late leader’s ideals.
“We recommit to upholding his enduring legacies and renew our pledge to fully support the Foundation established by the Akeredolu family to immortalise this great son of Owo land,” he said.
He concluded with prayers for the repose of Akeredolu’s soul and continued progress for the state.
“May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace, and may Ondo State continue to draw strength from his exemplary life of courage, service, and principled leadership,” Governor Aiyedatiwa said.