Operatives of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, are gearing up for a statewide strike and protest over the government’s alleged refusal to issue official appointment letters nearly five years after the outfit was established.
The aggrieved officers accused Governor Seyi Makinde, Chairman of the Amotekun Board AIG Sikiru Akande (rtd.), and State Commandant Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd.) of keeping them as “contract staff” since the agency’s creation in 2020, despite their frontline role in combating crime across the state.
In a statement issued on behalf of the operatives, the corps said frustration has reached a breaking point across all 33 local government areas.
They commended the late Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, for championing the establishment of Amotekun across the South-West, while recalling that the Oyo State House of Assembly formally passed the bill establishing the security outfit on November 18, 2020.
“Everyone in the state appreciates Amotekun’s efforts and commitment to reducing crime in Oyo State,” the statement read.
The operatives highlighted their recent successes in foiling kidnapping attempts in Lagelu and Akinyele LGAs, but lamented that despite their contributions, the state government had failed to provide them with the legal protection and job security necessary to carry out their duties effectively.
They also questioned why Governor Makinde recently placed security personnel at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) on the state payroll during his visit to Ogbomoso, while hundreds of Amotekun officers risking their lives daily remain without formal documentation.
The operatives further alleged that the State Commandant, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd.), has openly admitted to halting the issuance of appointment letters since 2021.
According to them, Olayanju repeated the claim during a legislative scrutiny session at the Oyo State House of Assembly on November 19, 2025, where lawmakers questioned him on issues relating to appointment letters and insurance.
“Col. Olayinka Olayanju stated that the reason he could not allow Oyo State Amotekun to have appointment letters was due to the presence of veteran operatives who are more active than the young ones. This excuse is a shame,” the statement added.
The operatives also called for the dissolution of the Amotekun Board over alleged lack of transparency, including claims that ₦1.2 million was collected annually from each of the 33 local government chairmen over a period of five years.
Their demands include:
- Immediate issuance of appointment letters to all Amotekun operatives
- Structured ranking and organization within the corps
- Payment of the hardship allowance previously announced by Governor Makinde during recruitment at the NYSC camp in Iseyin
- Dissolution of the Amotekun Board
- Removal of the State Commandant and Board Chairman
They noted that insecurity is rising nationwide citing recent incidents in Zamfara, Borno, Plateau, and even neighbouring Kwara and warned that Oyo State could face similar threats if the welfare and morale of Amotekun officers remain neglected.
The operatives urged the Oyo State House of Assembly to embark on direct visits to all Amotekun offices across the 33 LGAs to hear their concerns firsthand.
They warned that failure to address their grievances could worsen security challenges in the state.
