By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Osun State Government has addressed the controversy surrounding the ongoing recruitment exercise of the Amotekun Corps by approving the absorption of more applicants initially excluded from the process.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, through his Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye, directed the adjustment after a thorough review of grievances raised by some applicants who alleged unfair exclusion.

A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, revealed that the Chief Security Officer (CSO) had engaged with the Amotekun leadership to scrutinise the recruitment process and address concerns raised by the affected applicants.

According to Rasheed, the Chairman of Amotekun in the state, Wale Abbas, presented a situation report to the Chief of Staff, leading to the government’s approval for the inclusion of the aggrieved candidates in the training exercise.

He further clarified that contrary to speculations, no casualties were recorded during the protest staged by some applicants, and there was no political interference in the selection process.

Following the resolution, the Chief of Staff, alongside the Commissioner for Special Duties, Bashiru Salami, and Amotekun Chairman, Wale Abbas (AIG Rtd.), visited the training camp, where the affected applicants were formally integrated into the exercise.

Akinleye, while addressing the trainees, emphasised that the core mandate of Amotekun was selfless service to the state. He urged them to take their training seriously, assuring them of Governor Adeleke’s commitment to strengthening the security outfit.

He also directed the Amotekun management to ensure adequate welfare and a conducive environment for the trainees, reiterating the government’s resolve to bolster the security network in Osun to complement federal security agencies.