By Ayomide Otitoju
Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has attributed the recent deaths of 115 Nigerians in food stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra States to negligence by the Nigerian Police Force.
Speaking at a public lecture in Akure, Ondo State, in memory of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Falana emphasized that the police failed to fulfill their constitutional duties to protect citizens. The lecture, titled “Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace, Stability, and Development: The Ondo State Example,” was organized by the Ondo State Government.
“Unacceptable Failures”
Falana described the tragic incidents as preventable, stating, “The deaths of 115 Nigerians in the recent incidents in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija are unacceptable. The police failed to protect the people, and I hold them responsible. The government must pay compensation to the families who lost their loved ones because of these failures.”
He further called on the Nigerian government to address the root causes of social insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, hunger, and illiteracy. According to him, physical security cannot be achieved without robust social security measures.
Akeredolu’s Legacy of Justice and Security
Falana also praised the late Governor Akeredolu for his contributions to justice and security, particularly his establishment of the Amotekun Corps, which he credited with making Ondo State a leader in security innovation.
“Today, all 36 state governors have come together to approve state police, but it was Akeredolu who laid the groundwork by enacting the law that legitimized Amotekun. That singular action has made Ondo State the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” Falana remarked.
He urged the Ondo State Government to preserve Akeredolu’s legacy, emphasizing that sustaining his achievements would be the greatest tribute to the late governor.
Tributes to Akeredolu
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu’s former deputy, extolled his predecessor’s virtues, particularly in the areas of security, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
“His administration’s achievements remain profound—roads, bridges, health centers, and education reforms that continue to inspire us. Akeredolu’s legacy of progress is evident everywhere, and his passion for the security of lives and property has made Ondo State one of the safest and most peaceful in Nigeria,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor vowed to uphold Akeredolu’s vision of development and good governance, describing him as a courageous leader who championed democracy and the rule of law.
Afenifere chieftain Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, who chaired the event, also lauded Akeredolu’s boldness in prioritizing security and development. He praised the continuity of the Amotekun initiative under Aiyedatiwa’s administration and called for sustained efforts to deepen Akeredolu’s vision.
Remembering Akeredolu
Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu served as governor of Ondo State from February 2017 until his death on December 26, 2023, at the age of 67. He passed away at a German hospital after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.
