Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has formally acknowledged the contributions of his late predecessor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to the state’s security infrastructure. Aiyedatiwa’s statements focus on Akeredolu’s role in initiating the Amotekun Corps and advocating for state-level policing, which have influenced security policy in the South-West region of Nigeria.

According to Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu’s administration prioritized the establishment of a regional security network in response to increasing security threats. The Amotekun Corps, launched under Akeredolu’s leadership, was designed to supplement federal security agencies and address local security challenges more effectively. This initiative marked the first instance of a formalized subnational security outfit in Nigeria with a mandate to protect local communities and respond to security threats in a timely manner.

 The model has since been referenced in national discussions on policing reform, with recent Senate resolutions and executive reform agendas reflecting a shift toward decentralized, intelligence-led security approaches. These developments align with the framework initially proposed and implemented by Akeredolu.

In addition to security reforms, Aiyedatiwa highlighted Akeredolu’s emphasis on leadership continuity and institutional stability. The late governor reportedly advocated for the deliberate preparation of future leaders and the sustainability of governance structures. This approach is consistent with best practices in public administration, where succession planning and institutional memory are considered critical for long-term policy effectiveness.

As part of ongoing efforts to preserve Akeredolu’s legacy, the Ondo State government has pledged support for a foundation established by the Akeredolu family. The foundation is intended to promote the late governor’s values and policy priorities, particularly in the areas of security and governance.

In summary, available evidence suggests that Akeredolu’s tenure had a significant impact on the evolution of security policy in Ondo State and the broader South-West region. The Amotekun Corps serves as a case study in subnational security innovation, and its influence is observable in current national policy trends. Akeredolu’s leadership approach, emphasizing both security reform and institutional continuity, continues to inform governance practices in the state.