Olufemi Ajadi has called for constitutional reforms to Nigeria's security architecture, urging greater powers for state governors and stronger measures to tackle insecurity. Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to grant state governors direct constitutional authority over security operations within their states.
Rising Insecurity Highlights Need for Reform
Ajadi stated that the increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry, and violent crime across the country highlight the urgent need to restructure Nigeria's security framework and give state governments greater responsibility in tackling insecurity. According to him, governors should be empowered by law to play a more direct role in coordinating security responses within their jurisdictions.
“Mr President and the National Assembly should make it into law that governors of states should have constitutional power to control the army to tackle insecurity without the intervention of the Federal Government,” Ajadi said.
Governors Lack Operational Control
He referenced previous remarks by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on the limitations faced by governors in addressing security challenges. Ajadi noted that Makinde had repeatedly explained that although governors are often referred to as chief security officers of their states, they do not exercise direct operational control over the military and other federal security agencies. Ajadi argued that this situation exposes a structural weakness in Nigeria's security system, where governors are frequently held accountable by residents for security failures despite lacking constitutional authority over key security institutions.
Ajadi made these remarks while reacting to the recent abduction of pupils, teachers, and residents in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as another reminder of the security challenges confronting Nigerians. According to him, no government can be considered successful when citizens live under constant fear of kidnapping, attacks, and other violent crimes.
“Any president who cannot secure his citizens is not worth being president,” he said.
Fuel Subsidy Removal Not Improving Security
The politician maintained that despite the revenues generated from the removal of fuel subsidy, many Nigerians have not seen corresponding improvements in national security. He urged the President and the National Assembly to work together to reform existing laws and create a more decentralised security structure that would allow governors greater involvement in managing security challenges.
Ajadi said local security outfits and state authorities could achieve better results if there were stronger collaboration among security agencies, faster emergency response mechanisms, and a more coordinated security framework.
Politicisation of Insecurity Condemned
He also criticised what he described as the politicisation of insecurity, warning political actors against exploiting security incidents for partisan purposes. Reacting to comments reportedly made by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, who allegedly suggested that the Oyo State Government orchestrated the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers to embarrass President Tinubu, Ajadi described the remarks as unfortunate.
“The statement of former Governor Ayodele Fayose alleging that the Oyo State Government orchestrated the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in parts of the state as part of a plot to embarrass President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians. Fayose should be warned not to use insecurity in the state for politics,” he said.
Ajadi stressed that political leaders should focus on securing the release of victims and preventing future attacks rather than engaging in blame games. He warned that insecurity remains one of the biggest threats to economic growth, agriculture, education, investment, and social stability.
“Without good security, no business will thrive. Investors will not bring their money into an environment where lives and investments are not protected. Farmers cannot safely cultivate their lands, traders cannot move their goods freely, and businesses cannot expand where criminal activities are allowed to flourish,” he said.
Comprehensive Solutions Proposed
According to him, the growing incidence of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks has discouraged investment and reduced economic activity in many parts of the country. To address the challenge, Ajadi called for the recruitment of more security personnel, deployment of modern surveillance technology, stronger intelligence networks, improved welfare packages for security operatives, enhanced border security, and closer cooperation between federal security agencies and state-backed security outfits.
He also advocated tougher sanctions against criminal elements and security personnel found collaborating with kidnappers, bandits, or other criminal groups. According to him, any officer found aiding criminal activities should be arrested, investigated, prosecuted, and punished in accordance with the law.
“The safety of Nigerians must remain the foremost responsibility of government. Citizens should not have to live under the constant threat of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks,” he said.
Ajadi maintained that the Oriire abduction should not be viewed as an isolated incident but as part of a broader national security challenge requiring constitutional reforms, stronger institutions, improved intelligence gathering, and renewed commitment from all levels of government to protect lives and property.
