Osun Assembly Demands Immediate Reopening of Amotekun Offices, Warns Against Political Interference

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The Osun State House of Assembly has expressed deep concern over the forceful sealing of operational offices of the Osun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, by federal security operatives.

Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun stated this while addressing a press conference in Osogbo, the Osun state capital describing the development as “constitutionally offensive” and “a dangerous precedent.”

It said that Amotekun is a lawful creation of the state legislature and could not be summarily shut down without due process.

The lawmakers reaffirmed that the security outfit was established through the Osun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps Law 2020, with a clear mandate to complement conventional security agencies in tackling kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the state.

According to the House, since its establishment, the Corps has played a vital role in safeguarding rural and border communities, contributing immensely to the reduction of criminal activities within the state.

“It is deeply troubling and constitutionally offensive that an agency created by law and funded by the Osun State Government could be summarily shut down without consultation with the State Government or the House of Assembly which enacted its enabling legislation,” the statement read in part.

The Assembly warned that any security breaches arising from the disruption of Amotekun’s operations would be the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies.

“The safety of our people cannot be compromised due to avoidable administrative or political actions,” it said.

It added that similar disciplinary matters in the past involving federal security formations never led to the sealing of such offices.

The House also expressed alarm over reports alleging political interference by Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi in collaboration with former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, describing such allegations, if true, as “reckless, abusive, and a betrayal of public trust.”

While commiserating with families affected by the recent Akinlalu incident that led to the arrest of some Amotekun operatives, the lawmakers emphasised that any allegations of misconduct must be investigated transparently and in line with the law, not used as a pretext to cripple state institutions.

The Assembly further issued the following resolutions:

1. Empathy for Affected Families: The House sympathised with the families of those affected by the recent security operation in Akinlalu, Ife North Local Government Area.

2. Commitment to Rule of Law: It maintained that no act of misconduct should be swept under the carpet, but investigations must be carried out lawfully.

3. Assertion of Legal Status: The House reaffirmed that Amotekun remains a legally established agency of the Osun State Government and cannot be shut down by any individual or federal body without legislative approval.

4. Demand for Immediate Action: It condemned the sealing of the Corps’ offices and demanded their immediate reopening to enable operatives resume their statutory duties.

5. Legislative Investigation: The House mandated its Committee on Security to investigate the matter and submit its findings within seven days, pursuant to Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution.

6. Warning Against Politicisation: It reiterated that the security and wellbeing of Osun residents must not be sacrificed on the altar of political ambition.

The lawmakers concluded by reaffirming their commitment to defending the state’s laws and protecting the integrity of institutions created for the safety and progress of Osun people.

“Security is not a political bargaining chip. The lives of our people are not pawns on any chessboard of political ambition,” the Assembly stated.