Akure — Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, has urged the Ondo State House of Assembly to amend the Amotekun Corps Establishment Law to formally include Forest Guards as part of the state’s security architecture.
Ajayi made this call in Akure on Saturday during the 60th birthday celebration of a former Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Rasheed Elegbeleye.
According to him, the integration of Forest Guards into the state security network would bolster the fight against rampant insecurity, particularly the frequent killings and kidnappings of farmers in border communities and forest zones across the state.
“The insecurity rate is not acceptable to citizens of Ondo State. The Speaker and his colleagues should do everything possible to amend the existing law,” he said.
Ajayi, who was a governorship candidate in the last election, stated that he had proposed the Forest Guard initiative during his campaign and expressed satisfaction that President Bola Tinubu had recently endorsed the idea as a strategy to address nationwide insecurity.
He emphasized that incorporating Forest Guards into the Amotekun structure would help foster peaceful coexistence between farmers, herders, and other forest users.
“The government’s primary responsibility is the protection of lives and property. It’s time for our laws to reflect that reality by empowering all local efforts, including the Forest Guards,” he added.
Ajayi also advocated for the equipping of Forest Guards with sophisticated arms, subject to clearance from the National Security Adviser, and recommended their collaboration with local hunters and other recognized security outfits.
The event attracted key dignitaries including the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Majority Leader, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi; former Deputy Speakers, Hon. Ogundeji Iroju and Hon. Samuel Aderoboye; and the member representing Idanre/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, Hon. Festus Akingbaso.
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