By Michael Ofulue – Osogbo
The Commander of the Osun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, High Chief Adekunle Omoyele, has responded to recent allegations made against his leadership by the agency’s former Field Commander, Mr. Amitolu Shittu.
Describing the accusations as “baseless, politically motivated, and deliberately misleading,” Omoyele said the comments were an attempt to distort the progress achieved by the security outfit under his leadership.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Omoyele dismissed claims of mismanagement and recruitment irregularities, stressing that the Corps has witnessed significant reforms aimed at restoring professionalism, accountability, and operational effectiveness.
Omoyele highlighted the poor condition of the Amotekun Corps at the time of his appointment, stating that it lacked adequate training, logistics, and internal coordination.
“Upon my assumption of office, it was clear that the Corps needed a complete overhaul,” he said. “With the support of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, we launched a comprehensive reform process to realign the Corps with its core mandate — protecting the people of Osun from internal threats like banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime.”
According to him, some of the notable achievements under his leadership include:
The establishment of a functional and befitting headquarters for the Amotekun Corps
Comprehensive retraining programmes for operatives to improve discipline and intelligence-led operations
A revamp of internal protocols to enhance transparency and promote community-based engagement
Reacting further, Omoyele described the former Commander’s criticisms as “uninformed” and “lacking any credible foundation.”
“Mr. Shittu’s comments are not only politically coloured but also devoid of the security insight required to assess the operations of a tactical agency like Amotekun,” he said. “It is unfortunate that matters of public safety are being reduced to political jabs and personal grievances.”
Omoyele further alleged that Mr. Shittu’s time at the helm of Amotekun was marred by controversies, including repeated incidents of misfiring by operatives and unresolved issues regarding two missing operational vehicles.
“He was dragged several times to Zone XI on account of misfiring by his men. Records exist. Unless he wants those cases reopened, he should tread carefully,” Omoyele said. “He has also not accounted for two operational vehicles still missing under his tenure.”
On the issue of recruitment into the Amotekun Corps, Omoyele firmly defended the integrity of the process, describing it as transparent, digital, and rigorous.
“Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent,” he said. “Applicants undergo physical fitness assessments, medical screenings, and thorough background checks. Verification by credible guarantors — including royal fathers, clergy, or senior civil servants — is mandatory.”
He added that any insinuation of favouritism or nepotism in the recruitment process was not only false but also an insult to the dedicated operatives serving the state.
Omoyele reiterated his commitment to the safety and security of Osun residents, saying his appointment was based on law and merit — not political patronage.
“I was appointed through lawful procedures and not through political favour,” he stated. “I serve under the authority of the Governor and the laws establishing the Osun State Security Network. Every action I take is guided by security intelligence and the interest of the public.”
He also emphasised that Amotekun remains a non-partisan, community-based security outfit designed to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.
Concluding his statement, Omoyele appealed to political stakeholders, critics, and the general public to refrain from spreading misinformation, urging them to contribute positively to the state’s peace and security.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Let those who truly care about Osun’s peace join hands with us,” he said. “Our mission is bigger than personal ambitions. We will remain resolute, accountable, and committed to the protection of lives and property across Osun State.”