Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has called on the Federal Government to expedite action on the creation of state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and tackle rising criminal activities across the country.
Makinde made the call on Thursday during the governorship and legislative primary elections of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), held at the Watershed Event Centre, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.
The governor urged the Federal Government to support state Houses of Assembly in accelerating the legislative process required for the establishment of state police, noting that such a move would improve local intelligence gathering and enable states to respond more effectively to security challenges within their jurisdictions.
Speaking on the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, Makinde reassured families and residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of the victimsHe reiterated that security had remained one of the major pillars of his administration since inception and assured residents that his government would continue prioritising the protection of lives and property.
The governor also appreciated the people of Oyo State for their support over the last seven years, stating that the cooperation of residents had contributed significantly to the achievements recorded by his administration.
Makinde called on residents to extend the same support to the governorship candidate of the APM, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He advised Adekanmbi to build his own political path and relationships, stressing that leadership should be driven by vision, service, unity and commitment to the people rather than bitterness or division.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Oyo State Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement, Otunba Adegbenro Fagbemi, expressed optimism that the partnership between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APM would produce positive results for Oyo State and the country at large.
At the event, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, alongside senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates, was presented to party members and ratified as consensus candidates.
Presenting certificates of return to the candidates, Fagbemi described Adekanmbi as a bridge builder capable of sustaining the achievements of the current administration and delivering quality governance to the people of the state.
In his acceptance speech, Adekanmbi pledged that his administration would sustain the Omituntun agenda of Governor Makinde and ensure continued development across all parts of the state.
He assured residents that security and welfare would remain top priorities under his administration.
The APM governorship candidate also called for unity among party leaders, stakeholders and supporters, saying the task of building a more prosperous Oyo State would require collective sacrifice, cooperation and commitment.
Adekanmbi appreciated Governor Makinde for his support, friendship and political cooperation over the years, noting that the governor’s contributions to the development and democratic growth of Oyo State would remain remarkable.
In separate goodwill messages, Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr. Saka Balogun; Iba Oluyole, Oloye Nureni Akanbi; and Chief Eniade Elejire urged residents of the state to support all APM candidates in the 2027 elections.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; Chairman of All Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; commissioners, lawmakers, local government chairmen and other party stakeholders.
