Amotekun: Security experts, Oyo community laud Makinde on appointments

Security scholars have lauded the appointment of Gen. Ajibola Togun (rtd.) and Col. Olayanju Olayinka (rtd.) as chairman and commandant respectively of the Oyo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun.

The Iseyin Development Union (IDU), an umbrella body of Iseyin indigenes, also expressed happiness over the appointment of Togun yesterday.

Governor Seyi Makinde had on Wednesday announced that the retired military officers would oversee the outfit put in place to check insecurity in the state.

A professor of Security Studies at the University of Ibadan, Oyesoji Aremu, who spoke with The Guardian, said: “The appointment of Gen. Ajibola Togun and Col. Olayanju Olayinka (both retired) as chairman and commandant respectively of Oyo State Security Network is laudable, given the pedigrees of the two individuals in security. It instructively shows that the state government is desirous to get the leadership and operation of the security network right from the beginning, and probably insulate it from partisan politics.

“The appointments would therefore be of immense utility to Operation Amotekun in Oyo and by extension South West Nigeria. The two military gurus should, therefore, bring to bear their immense experiences on the training and operations of Amotekun. It is in so doing that the desired security ingenuity can be a reality in Oyo. I should quickly advise the government to give the leadership a free hand to lead Amotekun. This should include adequate funding and provision of logistics.”

Similarly, the National Public Relations of Vigilance Group of Nigeria (VGN), Prof. Nelson Fashina, lauded the appointment.

“It is a plus for the outfit, not only for Oyo but also in the South West. Gen. Togun is well respected. It will give public confidence to Amotekun….”