By Ademola Adekusibe
24th November 2025
A major security crisis is brewing in Oyo State as operatives of the Oyo State Security Network, Amotekun, prepare for a statewide strike and protest over what they describe as “five years of working under slavery conditions.”
The operatives accuse Governor Seyi Makinde, the Amotekun Board Chairman AIG Sikiru Akande (retd.), and State Commandant Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd.) of refusing to issue official appointment letters since the outfit was launched in 2020. They say frustration has now reached a breaking point across all 33 local government areas.
In a public statement, the officers praised the late Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for championing the establishment of Amotekun but said Oyo has failed to give them the job security needed to fight crime effectively.
They allege that despite Amotekun’s successes in fighting kidnapping in Lagelu and Akinyele, the state government has refused to give them legal employment status, instead keeping them as contract workers without protection, insurance, or clear structure.
The operatives also claim that Commandant Olayanju openly boasted that he personally stopped the issuance of appointment letters since 2021, even repeating this during a legislative hearing on November 19.
There are renewed calls for the dissolution of the Amotekun board over what the officers describe as “lack of transparency”, including allegations that ₦1.2 million was collected from each of the 33 local governments over five years with no clear explanation.
Their demands include immediate issuance of appointment letters, proper ranking structure, payment of hardship allowances promised by Governor Makinde, and the removal of both the board chairman and the commandant.
Amotekun operatives also warned that recent intelligence indicates plans by terrorists who attacked Kwara State to extend operations into Oyo. They insist they are the first line of defence but say they cannot face rising threats while being treated as casual workers.
They urged the Oyo State House of Assembly to visit all Amotekun offices and address their grievances before the state’s security situation “spirals out of control.”
