Amotekun begins Oyo operation in July, says Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Wednesday said Operation Amotekun would become operational in one month’s time.

Makinde stated this in his address at the first anniversary of the Oyo State House of Assembly at Agodi, Ibadan.

The governor said, “We are constituting the Amotekun Corps which, as you are aware, will complement the efforts of the federal security in securing our state. Within the next one month, they will be fully operational.

“Once the House of Assembly approves the choice of the commandant and chairman, it will be operational.”

On the incessant rape cases in the state, Makinde said the government would strengthen the legislation to address it.

He stated that he had sent an executive bill to the House, adding that the bill would soon be transmitted by the House.

He said, “I commend the moves by this legislature to review the laws on rape and sexual assault. We all know that one of the best ways to address any type of crime is to strengthen the legislation around it.

“On our part, we will do well to enforce the laws as requested by the judiciary. All the arms of government must continue to show zero tolerance for sexual violence. Only in this way would we honour those who have been victims of the heinous crimes and ensure that the rest of the people are protected.”

Earlier, under the matter of urgent public importance, the lawmaker representing Kajola state constituency, Akeem Mustapha, and that of Akinyele 11 state constituency, Ayo Fatokun, canvassed “Urgent need to stem the alarming rise in tide of gender and sexual-based violence in Oyo State.”

The Speaker of the Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, expressed the lawmakers’ readiness to work in synergy with the executive arm of government on developmental issues.

Ogundoyin said, “The 9th House of Assembly in the state had surpassed their contemporaries in other states.

“With all sense of gratitude, happiness and fulfilment, I make bold to say that the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly within the first 365 days, had passed 34 bills; 37 outstanding motions; and numerous resolutions.”