Operation Amotekun was established on the 9th of January, the year 2020 by the six-state governors of the southwestern states with Ekiti being one of the front runners of the scheme. As early as the 16th of March that same year, the state Governor, Kayode Fayemi, had already signed the Amotekun bill into law.
The incessant invasion of the southwest by criminal elements from within and outside the region led to calls for immediate and practical steps towards finding lasting solutions to the problem. This was when the idea of Amotekun was conceived, as it fitted the idea of an outfit with zero tolerance to criminality. To the joy of many Ekiti residents, Operation Amotekun was inaugurated in the state on the 19th of October 2020.
His Royal Majesty Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, Afuntade 1, the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, spoke about the history and importance of the Amotekun corps in his kingdom and Ekiti at large
The Ekiti state Amotekun commander, Brigadier-General Joe Komolafe spoke with us about the operations of the corps.
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, His royal majesty, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, charged citizens to take security as everyone’s business and help the Amotekun achieve their set goals.
The speaker of the Ekiti state house of Assembly, RT. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, gave insights on the legal framework behind the establishment of Operation Amotekun, and why the corps are not allowed to carry arms. He also commended the corps for their swift response when called upon by citizens in distress.
Security is everyone’s business, not just the government. This was evident as we made a stop at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeabgo, the Oore of Moba Land, who gave us more insights on the importance of the operation Amotekun to his Kingdom and Ekiti at large. He then took us on a tour to the standard office which he allocated to the Amotekun corps to use as their base. This, according to the monarch, is his own input to the security of his kingdom.
The operation Amotekun in one year of existence has been able to gain the trust of the people, especially the local communities. We can say, Ekiti and the southwestern region are safer with the presence of the Amotekun corps.
CREDITS
- Executive Producer: Brig Gen Joe Komolafe
- Producer: Abiodun Borisade
- Written by: Tolulope Ayeni
- Video coverage: Ayo Oyebanji, Tolulope Ayeni
- Voice Over: Funmilayo Adebayo
- Interviewer: Abiodun Borisade
- Video Editors: Nife Bolaji, Tolulope Ayeni
