Blame Gov. Seyi Makinde and the PDP If the Oyo State Amotekun Corps Collapses After This Administration -By Segun Adebowale

An internal crisis is currently brewing within the Oyo State Amotekun Corps as this administration approaches its end. Despite serving the people of Oyo State diligently for over six years, operatives of the Amotekun Corps have not been issued appointment letters or confirmation of service by the state government under Governor Seyi Makinde.

During my visits to several Amotekun Corps local government offices across Ibadan, I discovered a disturbing reality: morale is at its lowest. Many operatives are exhausted, frustrated, and uncertain about their future due to the absence of job security. I was informed that operatives resign almost every month, while others actively seek alternative employment because they see no future in the Corps.

Even more troubling is the climate of fear. I was told that any operative who complains about these conditions risks unlawful dismissal. While speaking with them, fear was clearly visible in their eyes. Indeed, many operatives are working under duress.
Shockingly, since its establishment, the Oyo State Amotekun Corps has operated without written rules and regulations, no official code of conduct, and no promotion structure. Operatives have reportedly missed two promotion examinations and interviews, leaving Amotekun as the only security outfit excluded from such career progression.

Governor Seyi Makinde must act urgently to make Amotekun operatives feel valued and respected. These are human beings, not animals. They risk their lives daily to protect Oyo State and deserve dignity, security, and fair treatment.
Governor Makinde is yet to fulfill the promises he made during the Passing Out Parade of the AMO D Forest Rangers on November 21, 2024. At that event, he pledged to:

Issue appointment and confirmation letters

Assign official ranks

Implement a pension system with gratuity benefits

As of today, no operative of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps has received an appointment letter, confirmation letter, or formal recognition as a public servant.

The Amotekun Corps was founded on January 9, 2020, in Ibadan, making it the first regional security outfit established by South-West governors to combat insecurity. Despite its pivotal role in maintaining safety and order, operatives continue to serve under uncertain, unrewarding, and demoralizing conditions.

Governor Seyi Makinde is widely regarded as a listening leader. I therefore appeal to him to hear the cries of Amotekun operatives. Appointment letters, confirmation of service, a clear ranking system, and pension benefits are not privileges—they are basic rights.

Unfortunately, the current leadership under Col. Olayinka Olayanju has become a source of concern. Many operatives describe the leadership as oppressive, alleging autocratic tendencies, abuse of power, and lack of empathy. This situation has worsened morale within the Corps.

Governor Makinde must urgently address this issue if he does not want the APC to mock his administration after its exit from office.

Key Recommendations

Replace the current Commandant, Col. Olayinka Olayanju, whose tenure is long overdue, with a qualified retired officer from the Police, DSS, NSCDC, or any paramilitary agency.

Immediately issue appointment letters to all Amotekun operatives.

Issue confirmation letters to affirm employment status.

Establish a formal ranking and grading system.
Introduce a pension scheme and gratuity benefits for long-term service.

Develop an operational manual and code of conduct to guide professionalism and ethics.

Recognize academic qualifications during promotion and retirement exercises.

Integrate Amotekun operatives into the Oyo State Civil Service structure.

Create departments and zonal offices to decentralize operations and improve service delivery.

End the dual role of Col. Olayinka Olayanju as both Commandant and Chairman of the Board, as this concentration of power is inappropriate.