The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, on Sunday applauded the United Nations for designating July 7 every year as “World Amotekun Day.”
This commendation was issued in a statement by Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, from Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
It will be recalled that the UN formally recognized the Amotekun Corps last week. The announcement was made by Ambassador Peer Stafsen, President of the World Peace body, during a presentation of a certificate of affiliation to Adetunji Adeleye, Commandant of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps, in Akure, the state capital.
Speaking through Ambassador Markwili Mgbara, Director of Information and Communications, Ambassador Stafsen noted that the UN’s recognition was in acknowledgment of Amotekun’s contributions to promoting security and safeguarding lives and property across the South-West region of Nigeria.
The certificate of affiliation was granted under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the International Association of World Peace Advocacy.
Afenifere described the UN recognition as unprecedented in the region, emphasizing that Amotekun’s invitation to attend meetings with global security and human rights affiliates is a significant morale booster.
“It is a testament to the vision and commitment of its founders and those sustaining the initiative. The fact that other Nigerian states are exploring similar security models further validates its success,” the statement read.
Afenifere highlighted Ondo State’s critical role, particularly that of the late former Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who was instrumental in the formation of Amotekun.
“With this global recognition, Amotekun will now officially participate in the UN’s annual general meetings, starting with the session scheduled for September 22, 2025, in New York, marking the UN’s 80th anniversary,” the group noted.
Ajayi stated that the UN’s certification affirms Ondo State’s Amotekun Corps as a well-trained and internationally recognized security unit.
He praised the commitment of the late Akeredolu and his fellow South-West governors for their resilience in launching and sustaining the corps despite numerous obstacles.
“Amotekun was inaugurated on January 9, 2020, in Ibadan, Oyo State, by the governors of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States. Its creation followed a regional security summit held in June 2019 under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission,” he explained.
Ajayi further emphasized that the corps’ formal invitation to global security meetings signifies that its establishment was a highly commendable decision.
He recalled the significant resistance Amotekun faced during its early days, especially from the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, but noted that the South-West governors stood firm.
“Their refusal to be intimidated has played a major role in curbing crime in the region, including reducing attacks by armed bandits and rogue herders that made farming dangerous,” he said.
Ajayi urged the South-West governments to capitalize on this international milestone.
“We also call for swift action on the establishment of state police and the provision of adequate resources to decisively tackle crime and insecurity,” he concluded.
