Chief Ademola Folarin, the General Secretary of the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, has publicly scrutinized state governors for failing to prioritize the fight against insecurity. In a recent interview, Folarin argued that regional security outfits like Amotekun have fallen short of their potential due to a lack of genuine commitment from state leadership. He insisted that the security crisis requires immediate, proactive governance rather than relying solely on federal interventions.
Regarding the push for state police, Folarin described it as a necessary evolution for Nigeria’s federal system, arguing that decentralization is essential for effective law enforcement. However, he cautioned that the current legislative framework remains too tethered to federal oversight, which could undermine the autonomy required for state-level security success. He emphasized that governors already possess the resources and security funding necessary to make significant strides, yet many have been hesitant to take decisive action without central government approval.
Folarin also addressed the recent abduction crisis in Oriire, Oyo State. He criticized Governor Seyi Makinde for calling for a United Nations investigation into the incident, labeling it a performative political move rather than a practical solution. According to Folarin, the successful rescue operation was a triumph of intelligence-gathering rather than brute force. He reiterated that while there are legitimate concerns regarding the persecution of Christians, terrorism remains a multifaceted threat affecting all religious groups in Nigeria. Ultimately, he called for a more holistic, collaborative approach to national security that empowers local authorities to act with urgency.
