Operatives of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, are preparing for a statewide strike over the alleged refusal of the state government to issue them official appointment letters nearly five years after the security outfit was established.
The frustrated officers accused Governor Seyi Makinde, Amotekun Board Chairman AIG Sikiru Akande (rtd.), and State Commandant Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd.) of keeping them as “contract staff” since 2020, despite their role as frontline responders to kidnapping, robbery, and other violent crimes across the state.
In a statement representing operatives in all 33 LGAs, the corps said morale has collapsed due to years of neglect. They praised the late Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for championing the Amotekun initiative across the South-West and recalled that the Oyo State House of Assembly formally legalised the corps on November 18, 2020.
“Everyone in the state appreciates Amotekun’s efforts and commitment to reducing crime,” the statement said. The officers cited recent successes in foiling kidnapping operations in Lagelu and Akinyele LGAs but lamented that despite their sacrifice, they still lack legal backing, job security, and welfare support.
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They questioned why Governor Makinde recently approved the placement of LAUTECH security personnel on the state payroll during his Ogbomoso visit, while Amotekun operatives remain undocumented. They further claimed that Commandant Olayanju admitted to halting appointment letters since 2021 due to concerns about older operatives being more active than younger recruits an explanation the officers described as “shameful.”
The operatives also demanded the dissolution of the Amotekun Board, alleging lack of transparency, including claims that ₦1.2m was collected annually from each local government chairman for five years.
Their demands include:
Immediate issuance of appointment letters
Introduction of a formal ranking structure
Payment of promised hardship allowance from recruitment
Dissolution of the Amotekun Board
Removal of the Commandant and Board Chairman
The operatives warned that nationwide insecurity seen in recent attacks in Zamfara, Borno, Plateau, and neighbouring Kwara could spread to Oyo if they remain neglected.
They urged the Oyo State House of Assembly to visit Amotekun posts across all LGAs and engage directly with officers. Failure to act promptly, they said, could worsen the state’s security landscape.
