Yoruba Ronu Honours Akeredolu at 70, Says Nation Now Living His Warnings On Insecurity

The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum has said Nigeria is now grappling with the exact security crisis repeatedly foreseen by the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, as the group marked what would have been his 70th posthumous birthday.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Prince Diran Iyantan, the foremost socio-political organisation described Akeredolu as an exceptional patriot whose impact on law, democratic governance and national security remains profound.

—“A Defender Of The Rule Of Law”—

Yoruba Ronu noted that as a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Akeredolu distinguished himself through fearless advocacy for the rule of law, constitutional democracy and judicial independence.

But the group said his most enduring legacy lies in national security and his consistent push for structural reforms to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

—Prophetic Warnings On Insecurity—

According to Iyantan, Akeredolu repeatedly warned that insecurity would escalate without decisive action, and was one of the earliest and most consistent advocates of State Police.

“He consistently warned that insecurity would worsen unless decisive measures were taken. He repeatedly advocated for the establishment of State Police, arguing that policing could only become truly effective when states were empowered to develop security architectures tailored to their local realities,” the statement said.

The group recalled that the late governor also cautioned that kidnapping, then largely restricted to highways and forests, would eventually spread into towns and residential areas if urgent reforms were ignored.

“Today, the unfortunate reality of widespread kidnappings, including the abduction of school children and innocent citizens, has vindicated those prophetic warnings,” Iyantan stated.

—Architect Of Amotekun—

Yoruba Ronu credited Akeredolu as the principal force behind the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, describing it as one of the most successful community-based security initiatives in contemporary Nigeria.

“It did not have to get to this level. Had the nation listened to Akeredolu’s persistent calls for decentralised policing and comprehensive security reforms, Nigeria might have been spared much of the pain, fear and loss currently experienced across the country,” the statement added.

—Tribute Through State Police—

The organisation commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating the political will to advance State Police through the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

It expressed confidence that the reform would improve intelligence gathering, response time and overall security across the federation.

Yoruba Ronu said the eventual passage of the State Police Bill would serve as a fitting tribute to one of its earliest advocates.

—“His Ideas Still Speak”—

Reflecting on the legacy, Iyantan said:
“*Seventy years after his birth, Akeredolu’s voice still echoes across the nation – not because he merely predicted the future, but because he offered practical solutions to the challenges that lay ahead*.”

He urged Nigerians to preserve Akeredolu’s legacy by embracing bold reforms capable of securing the nation and strengthening the federation.

“Although Akeredolu is no longer alive, his convictions remain alive; though his voice is silent, his ideas continue to speak,” the group concluded, describing him as a patriot whose wisdom will continue to shape national discourse on security and nation-building.