By John Dike, Osogbo
Amotekun Commander in Osun State, Chief Adekunle Omoyele, has dismissed allegations that the agency recruited ex-convicts and wanted criminals into its ranks, describing the claims as false, misleading and politically motivated.
He said the allegations were the handiwork of political jobbers seeking cheap publicity ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state, insisting that the recruitment exercise conducted by the Corps was transparent, merit-based and in line with established procedures.
Omoyele was reacting to comments made by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains Empowerment Foundation and APC stalwart, Kehinde Raji, who had called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to disband the recent recruitment exercise carried out by the Osun Amotekun Corps.
Raji, while speaking during a programme on a private television station in Osogbo, alleged that a majority of those recruited into the security outfit were ex-convicts and wanted criminals who were allegedly pardoned by Governor Adeleke before being enlisted into the Corps.
He further urged the governor to dissolve the recruitment exercise and allow the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh screening process for prospective recruits.
According to Raji, “If he knows that he loves the people of the state, let him disband the latest recruitment exercise, submit it to the Nigerian Police, let applicants reapply and allow the Police to conduct a new recruitment exercise for the Amotekun Corps.”
Responding to the allegations, Omoyele described the claims as unfortunate and completely unfounded, stressing that no individual with a criminal record was recruited into the Corps.
He maintained that every applicant underwent a rigorous screening process, including documentation, background checks and verification, before being considered for employment.
The Amotekun boss explained that recruitment into the Corps is guided by strict rules, regulations and operational guidelines designed to ensure that only qualified, competent and individuals of proven integrity are enlisted.
He noted that the agency remains committed to professionalism and would never compromise its standards by recruiting persons with questionable character.
According to him, all successful candidates emerged through a transparent process based on merit, qualification, physical fitness and good character endorsed by respective candidates traditional rulers.
Omoyele said it was regrettable that some politicians had chosen to spread misinformation in an attempt to discredit an institution that has continued to complement conventional security agencies in protecting lives and property across Osun State.
He described the allegations as reckless and capable of undermining public confidence in the state’s security architecture.
“The allegation that Amotekun recruited ex-convicts is not only false but also politically motivated. It is an assertion by political jobbers who are desperate for cheap publicity,” he said.
“Our recruitment process followed due process from beginning to end. We screened applicants thoroughly and ensured that only qualified and law-abiding citizens were enlisted into the Corps.”
He added that the agency has built a reputation for professionalism and discipline since its establishment and would not allow politically motivated allegations to tarnish its image.
Omoyele also faulted the suggestion that the Nigeria Police Force should take over the recruitment process of the Corps, saying Amotekun operates under its own enabling law and has laid-down procedures for recruitment which conform with best practices.
He stressed that the Corps enjoys a cordial working relationship with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the state but noted that each agency has clearly defined statutory responsibilities.
The Commander assured residents that the newly recruited personnel would continue to receive adequate training to enhance their operational capacity in tackling crime and strengthening security across the state.
He urged members of the public to disregard what he described as baseless allegations and continue to support the Corps in its efforts to maintain peace, law and order throughout Osun State.
Omoyele reaffirmed the commitment of the Osun Amotekun Corps to professionalism, accountability and the protection of lives and property, adding that the agency would remain focused on its constitutional responsibilities despite political distractions.
