The Yoruba Ronu Group has said Nigeria is currently experiencing the security challenges repeatedly predicted by the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, as it marked his 70th posthumous birthday.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Prince Diran Iyantan, the foremost socio-political organisation described Akeredolu as an exceptional patriot whose contributions to the legal profession, democratic governance and national security remain enduring.
The group noted that as a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akeredolu distinguished himself through his unwavering defence of the rule of law, constitutional democracy and judicial independence.
According to Iyantan, Akeredolu’s greatest legacy, however, lies in his foresight on national security and his relentless advocacy for structural reforms to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity.
“He consistently warned that insecurity would worsen unless decisive measures were taken. He repeatedly advocated for the establishment of State Police, arguing that policing could only become truly effective when states were empowered to develop security architectures tailored to their local realities,” the statement said.
The organisation observed that the late governor had cautioned that kidnappings, which were then largely confined to highways and forests, would eventually spread into towns and residential communities if urgent reforms were not implemented.
“Today, the unfortunate reality of widespread kidnappings, including the abduction of school children and innocent citizens, has vindicated those prophetic warnings,” Iyantan stated.
According to the group, Nigeria might have avoided much of its current security crisis had successive governments acted on Akeredolu’s persistent calls for decentralised policing and comprehensive security reforms.
The statement also credited the late governor as the principal force behind the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, describing the regional outfit as one of the most successful community-based security initiatives in contemporary Nigeria.
“It did not have to get to this level. Had the nation listened to Akeredolu’s persistent calls for decentralised policing and comprehensive security reforms, Nigeria might have been spared much of the pain, fear and loss currently experienced across the country,” the statement added.
Yoruba Ronu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating the political will to advance the establishment of State Police through the ongoing constitutional amendment process, expressing confidence that the reform would enhance intelligence gathering, improve response time and strengthen security across the federation.
The organisation said the eventual passage of the State Police Bill would serve as a fitting tribute to one of its earliest and most consistent advocates.
Reflecting on Akeredolu’s legacy, Iyantan said, “Seventy years after his birth, Akeredolu’s voice still echoes across the nation- not because he merely predicted the future, but because he offered practical solutions to the challenges that lay ahead.”
He added that history would continue to remember the late governor as “a visionary whose wisdom continues to illuminate Nigeria’s path,” urging Nigerians to preserve his legacy by embracing bold reforms capable of securing the nation and strengthening the federation.
Yoruba Ronu said that although Akeredolu is no longer alive, “his convictions remain alive; though his voice is silent, his ideas continue to speak,” describing him as a patriot whose enduring legacy will continue to shape national discourse on security and nation-building.
