The 2024 Annual General Convention of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos witnessed a stirring invocation of the spirit of the late Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, as the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa storms the NBA Annual General Convention with the State Attorney General and Commission of Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, and other State functionaries to championed the cause of state policing and the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun.

Governor Aiyedatiwa was Deputy Governor to Late Governor Akeredolu who was a former Governor of Ondo State and a passionate advocate of state policing.

Governor Aiyedatiwa took to the stage during the convention to deliver impassioned speeches calling for the establishment of state police forces across Nigeria.

Invoking Akeredolu’s legacy, Governor Aiyedatiwa argued that the current centralized police structure in Nigeria has been inadequate in addressing the country’s security challenges, particularly in the face of rising insecurity, banditry, and terrorism. He emphasized that state police forces, modeled after the Amotekun initiative pioneered by the late Akeredolu, would be better equipped to respond to the unique security needs of their respective states.

“Rotimi Akeredolu was a visionary leader who understood the importance of decentralized security apparatus in a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria,” said Aiyedatiwa. “He fought tirelessly for the establishment of Amotekun, and we are here today to carry on his legacy and push for the realization of state policing across the nation.”

The impassioned speeches by Gov. Aiyedatiwa received thunderous applause from the gathered lawyers, many of whom expressed their support for the call for state policing and the expansion of the Amotekun initiative.

The event served as a powerful tribute to the late Akeredolu, whose spirit and vision continue to shape the discourse on security and governance in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the NBA President, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his thought-provoking lecture, stressing that the bar will support the call for State Police.

Femi Falana, SAN also commended Ondo State model of Amotekun, urging the federal government to heed the call of Nigerians for the creation of State Police.

Lawyers and other participants at the AGC were treated to melodious tunes and regimental drills and parades of the Amotekun Corps.

Dr Kayode Ajulo, a Senior Advicate of Nigeria and the Honorable Attorney General of Ondo State while speaking emphatically said, “Amotekun and State Police have become integral parts of Nigeria’s security framework, reflecting both the spirit and letter of the Constitution, which mandates that governments at all levels ensure the safety and welfare of their citizens. Currently, we have federal policing provided by the federal government, and now we are seeing the rise of state policing, in Amotekun. It is important for local governments to consider implementing community policing as well. With these measures in place, we can hope to overcome the insecurity that has plagued our nation.”