The Osun State House of Assembly has demanded the immediate reopening of the Amotekun Corps operational offices, which it described as having been unlawfully and forcibly sealed by the Nigeria Police.
In a statement released on Friday, the Assembly condemned the action as unconstitutional, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent that threatens federalism and undermines state autonomy.
According to the lawmakers, “the Amotekun Corps remains a lawful creation of the state legislature and cannot be summarily shut down without recourse to due process and legislative oversight.”
The House stated that “the security outfit was established under the Osun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps Law 2020, with a clear statutory mandate to support conventional security agencies in combating kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of violent crime across the state.
“Since its establishment, Amotekun has played a crucial role in safeguarding rural and border communities, thereby reducing incidents of violent crimes and criminal infiltration.”
“It is deeply troubling and constitutionally offensive that an agency created by law and funded by the Osun State Government could be summarily shut down without consultation with the State Government or the House of Assembly which enacted its enabling legislation,” the statement added.
The lawmakers warned that any breach of security resulting from the disruption of Amotekun’s operations would rest squarely on the shoulders of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies.
“The safety of our people cannot be compromised due to avoidable administrative or political actions,” the statement read further.
The Assembly also condemned the alleged involvement of Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi and former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in the matter, describing such interference, if verified, as reckless, abusive, and a betrayal of public trust.
While expressing sympathy with families affected by the recent Akinlalu town incident in Ife North local government area, which led to the arrest of some Amotekun operatives, the lawmakers insisted that allegations of misconduct must be investigated transparently and not used as a tool to weaken state institutions.
The House adopted several resolutions, including expressing empathy for affected families and reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and due process in handling disciplinary cases involving security personnel.
It also asserted that “Amotekun remains a legally constituted agency of the Osun State Government and cannot be shut down by any federal authority without legislative consent or judicial order.”
