Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has announced a major overhaul of the state’s Amotekun security outfit to enhance its effectiveness in safeguarding both urban and rural communities. The governor made this known during a meeting with the Ife Development Board delegation at the Government House in Osogbo on Monday.
The governor, in a statement through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, stated that the reform would strengthen the Amotekun Corps as a vital link between local communities and federal security agencies. He emphasized that this reform would foster better collaboration between Amotekun and local vigilantes, as well as hunters, to work closely with federal security forces for the safety of Osun’s citizens.
“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 said.
Apart from security reforms, Governor Adeleke also expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of development in the historic city of Ile-Ife. He stressed the importance of modernizing the city, starting with key infrastructure projects like the Lagere flyover and the expansion of roads, including the one leading to the Ooni of Ife’s palace.
“Ile-Ife is too important to remain underdeveloped. The city cannot continue to look like a village, especially when hosting global visitors,” Governor Adeleke remarked, underscoring the city’s significance as the cultural and spiritual hub for Yoruba people worldwide.
The governor further explained that the development of Ile-Ife would not only enhance its cultural appeal but also boost its status as a tourism and religious destination, attracting visitors from various parts of the world, including North and South America. He expressed appreciation to the Ooni of Ife and local leaders for their continuous support of the ongoing projects, especially the Lagere flyover and road dualisation.
Governor Adeleke highlighted the economic importance of these infrastructure improvements, particularly the Lagere flyover, which serves as a key commercial route connecting different regions like Osun West, Ilesa, and Ondo through Garage Olode.
He also revealed that the state government, with support from the African Development Bank (AFDB), would soon introduce an agricultural processing zone in Ile-Ife to further boost the economy and agricultural sector.
Earlier in the meeting, Gbenga Adefaye, president of the Ife Development Board, praised the governor for his efforts in advancing Osun State, particularly Ile-Ife. Adefaye presented several requests related to road expansion, security, and agricultural improvements, further strengthening the collaboration between the state government and local communities.
