Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has revealed that his administration has begun a major reform of the Amotekun Corps in the state.
According to Adeleke, the reform aims to enhance the corps’ role in bridging the gap between local communities and federal security agencies.
This was disclosed in a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, after a meeting with representatives from the Ife Development Board at the Government House in Osogbo on Monday.
He said, “My administration is actively reforming the state’s Amotekun security service to serve as a link between local communities and federal security agencies.
“Local vigilante groups and forest hunters will now collaborate with Amotekun and other formal security agencies to ensure the safety of both urban and rural areas in Osun.”
The governor, expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of development in Ile-Ife, outlined plans for significant infrastructure improvements, starting with the Lagere flyover and the dualization of the road leading to the Ooni’s palace.
He stressed the importance of modernising Ile-Ife, citing the city’s historical and cultural significance.
“Ile-Ife is too vital to remain underdeveloped. It must not continue to resemble a village, especially when it welcomes visitors from around the world,” Adeleke said.
Accompanied by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Adeleke underlined Ile-Ife’s status as the cultural and spiritual center for all Yoruba people globally.
He also noted that the city serves as a major hub for tourism and religious activities, attracting visitors from North and South America, among other regions.
The governor expressed his appreciation to the Ooni of Ife and other community leaders for their support of ongoing projects, particularly the Lagere flyover and road dualization.
He explained that beyond its cultural and tourism value, the economic significance of the Lagere flyover is vital, as it connects key business routes between Osun West, Ilesa, and Ondo via Garage Olode.
Additionally, the governor informed the delegation that the state is preparing to launch an agricultural processing zone in Ile-Ife, supported by the African Development Bank (AFDB).
