The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 16 November 2024 Ondo State governorship election, Agboola Ajayi, has pointedly stated that the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has derailed from the vision as regards the establishment of the Amotekun security outfit, thereby destroying the legacy of the late governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
The PDP flag bearer alleged the APC flag bearer of allowing the structure of the security outfit to be rendered incapacitated, which according to him has led to the deterioration of security under Aiyedatiwa’s watch.
During an election-related debate hosted by Channels Television on Sunday, the PDP candidate claimed that security in Ondo State had gotten worse under All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Aiyedatiwa.
He mentioned that the Amotekun security outfit established under his late boss in the state, and by extension, the south-west region was premised on the unpleasant happenings, including kidnapping and their vices.
“I must give it to our late boss; he had the courage and boldness to say we must establish Amotekun, which is more or less a state police arrangement. But unfortunately these days, that legacy is almost destroyed by the incumbent governor,” Ajayi said.
On his part, the incumbent governor, Aiyedatiwa, denied Ajayi’s claim, saying that he is strengthening the Amotekun Security Corps and will even strengthen it further if he is returned to office.
According to Ajayi, who was the state’s deputy governor during Akeredolu’s first stint in office, the current governor is not making improvements to the Amotekun security corps because he doesn’t know how it was established.
He promised to provide the Amotekun with cutting-edge security devices and equipment if elected, enabling them to effectively compete with any security organisation worldwide.
Aiyedatiwa, who insisted that he has done enough to enhance security in the state since taking office, said that Ondo State is currently regarded as one of the safest and most tranquil states in Nigeria.
Ajayi, however, took issue with the governor’s claim that Ondo is among the safest states in the country. He asserts that a state cannot be considered safe if Obas and other notable individuals are often abducted.
