Abiodun: Over 6,000 Amotekun, So-Safe Personnel Ready for Ogun State Police

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has declared that the state is adequately prepared for the establishment of its own police force, disclosing that over 6,000 personnel of the Ogun State Security Network, known as Amotekun, and the So-Safe Corps are available to provide the manpower required.

The governor made this known at the weekend during the 50th anniversary celebration of Ereke Day in Ikenne, Ikenne Local Government Area, where he described the Ogun State House of Assembly’s approval of the creation of state police as a major milestone in strengthening the state’s security architecture.

Abiodun, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Committee on State Police Creation and represents President Bola Tinubu on the committee, said Ogun State had already established a solid security foundation that would facilitate the smooth implementation of state policing.

He said: “Between Amotekun and So-Safe Corps, we have over 6,000 personnel. We are ready for the Ogun State Police Command, and that will make the difference in protecting the lives and property of our people.”

The governor emphasised that security remained fundamental to economic growth, investment and sustainable development, noting that effective collaboration between host communities and security agencies was necessary to maintain a peaceful environment.

In a related development, Abiodun directed the immediate reconstruction of the Delabo-Ikenne Road, saying the intervention would improve accessibility, enhance connectivity and stimulate economic activities within the community.

Speaking on the golden jubilee celebration, the governor described the 50-year milestone as a remarkable achievement that reflected the unity, shared heritage and collective determination of the people of Ikenne.

He commended the traditional rulers, the Ikenne Traditional Council of Chiefs and the Ikenne Community Development Association for their contributions to preserving the community’s cultural heritage and promoting development.

According to him, Ereke Day has evolved beyond an annual cultural celebration into a platform for intellectual engagement, institutional development, infrastructure advancement and community mobilisation.

Abiodun also acknowledged Ikenne’s historical significance to Ogun State and Nigeria, particularly its association with prominent national figures such as the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and renowned educationist, Dr Tai Solarin.

The governor disclosed that his administration had constructed and rehabilitated over 1,700 kilometres of roads across Ogun State, including more than 40 roads in Remoland, as part of efforts to improve transportation, open up rural communities and boost economic activities.

He further urged youths in Ikenne to shun political violence and resist attempts by politicians to use them as instruments of violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“No political ambition is worth the peace of our community, and no temporary inducement is worth sacrificing your future,” he cautioned.

He called on young people to embrace political maturity, patriotism and responsible civic participation, stressing that elections should be based on credible leadership, performance and issue-driven campaigns rather than intimidation or violence.

The governor also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals and indigenes of Ikenne in the diaspora to sustain their contributions towards the development of their ancestral community.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Kunle Soname, described Abiodun as a worthy son of Remoland and commended his administration for its developmental interventions in Ikenne.

Soname specifically acknowledged the donation of a 500KVA transformer and the reconstruction of Awolowo Road, among other projects, assuring the governor of the continued support of the people of Ikenne and Remoland.