Makinde Advocates for State Police Amid Rising Insecurity
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has renewed his call for the creation of state police, asserting that Nigeria's escalating security challenges demonstrate the urgent need for states to have greater control over policing and security operations. Speaking on Thursday during the presentation of Certificates of Return to candidates of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 elections at the Watershed Event Centre in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized that state governments should not have to rely solely on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for security directives.
Security Burden on States
Makinde noted that state governments have been bearing the brunt of insecurity without adequate constitutional powers to address it directly. "This is a very tough period for me as a person and also for our state. But people know that security has always been one of the major pillars of this administration since we introduced Omituntun 1.0, and it remains a major focus," he said. He argued that the Federal Government should stop delaying the process and allow state legislatures to handle the legal framework for state policing.
Amotekun as a Stopgap Measure
The governor explained that the South-West security network, Amotekun, was created as a temporary solution because the Federal Government failed to establish state police despite growing calls from governors and regional leaders. "The South-West security outfit, Amotekun, was created as a stopgap because the country failed to establish state police. Before this administration came on board, there was nothing like Amotekun in Oyo State. We wanted state police, but because we did not get it, we created Amotekun as an alternative arrangement," Makinde added.
Call for Legislative Action
Makinde insisted that the Federal Government should not waste Nigerians' time by asking the IGP to create state police. Instead, state assemblies should be given the authority and support to establish their own police forces. "Within the shortest possible time, state police will become a reality," he stated. The debate around state police has gained momentum in recent years as Nigeria continues to battle kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks across the country. Several governors and regional groups have argued that the centrally controlled police system is overstretched and ineffective for local security challenges.
Omituntun Agenda to Continue
Speaking further, Makinde praised Oyo residents for supporting his administration and assured that his "Omituntun" agenda would continue beyond his tenure. "You have seen Omituntun 1.0 and Omituntun 2.0. Omituntun 3.0 will even be sweeter and better for the people," he said. He also advised the APM governorship consensus candidate for the 2027 election, Bimbo Adekanmbi, to build his own political structure and avoid inheriting political rivalries. "I have told Bimbo not to inherit my enemies. He should chart his own course. I am only human and I made mistakes just like everyone else," Makinde said.
APM Candidate Pledges Continuity
In response, APM governorship candidate Bimbo Adekanmbi thanked Makinde and party leaders for trusting him with the ticket. He promised to run an inclusive campaign centered on economic growth, education, and grassroots development across Oyo State. "This certificate is not just for me, it's for every APM member and every Oyo citizen who wants a government that works for the people, and as a continuation of the good work of Governor Seyi Makinde," he said.
