The Osun State House of Assembly has ordered the immediate reopening of the operational offices of the Osun Amotekun Corps, describing their closure by the Nigeria Police as unlawful and unconstitutional.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Assembly condemned the police action, calling it a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and a dangerous move that threatens state autonomy and the principles of federalism.
The lawmakers emphasized that the Amotekun Corps was established by the state legislature and, therefore, cannot be shut down without due process or legislative involvement.
According to the Assembly, the security outfit was created under the Osun State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps Law 2020 with a clear mandate to support conventional security agencies in combating kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the state.
The lawmakers noted that since its creation, Amotekun has played a vital role in protecting rural and border communities, helping to reduce criminal activities and insecurity in those areas.
The statement further read that it was “deeply disturbing and unconstitutional” for an agency established and funded by the Osun State Government to be sealed off without any consultation with the government or the Assembly that enacted its enabling law.
The House warned that any breakdown of law and order resulting from the disruption of Amotekun’s activities would be the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security bodies.
It added that the safety and security of citizens must never be compromised for political or administrative reasons.
The Assembly also criticized the alleged involvement of Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi and former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in the incident, describing such interference, if confirmed, as reckless and a violation of public trust.
While expressing sympathy to families affected by the recent crisis in Akinlalu town, Ife North Local Government Area, which led to the arrest of some Amotekun officers, the Assembly maintained that any allegations of misconduct should be investigated transparently and not used as a pretext to weaken state security institutions.
Among its resolutions, the Assembly:
Expressed condolences to affected families,
Reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and due process, and
Declared that Amotekun remains a legally constituted state security agency that cannot be shut down by any federal authority without legislative approval or a valid court order.
The House further demanded that all sealed Amotekun offices be reopened immediately so that operatives can resume their duties. It also directed its Committee on Security to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter and submit a report within seven days, in line with Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution.
The lawmakers cautioned that security should not be used as a political weapon, saying, “The lives and safety of our people are not tools for political games.”
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command confirmed on Wednesday that operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT-FID) had sealed the Amotekun offices in Ife Central Local Government Area and Osogbo, arresting five personnel during the raid.
The police also stated that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had instructed the IRT-FID to take over the investigation.
