A former leader of the prominent Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has joined a university professor in making a strong case for the Yoruba people to be empowered to defend their homeland against increasing security threats. The calls were made during a significant traditional event in Ondo State over the weekend.
Urgent Calls for Regional Security Reinforcement
Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, the former Secretary-General of Afenifere, emphasized the critical need for the Yoruba race to be legally enabled to protect their territories from bandits and terrorists. He argued that the indigenous understanding of the local terrain would give Yoruba people a distinct advantage in safeguarding their region from invaders.
This position was powerfully echoed by Professor Abiodun Akinpelu from Lagos State University, who delivered the keynote address. Speaking on the theme 'Royalty, Defence and Protection of Oduduwa Land', Prof. Akinpelu expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in Yorubaland. He urged all traditional rulers and stakeholders to unite in defense of the region.
Emulating Akeredolu's Amotekun Legacy
A key part of the professor's address was a direct appeal to the governors of Nigeria's southwest states. He charged them to follow and build upon the security foundation laid by the late former Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. Specifically, Akinpelu called for the strengthening and adequate funding of the Amotekun Security Corps, a regional security initiative, to proactively address security challenges.
Beyond security, Prof. Akinpelu also highlighted the importance of cultural preservation, stating that promoting indigenous languages is vital to preventing the extinction of traditions handed down by ancestors.
Coronation Blends Deep Tradition with Community Hope
These urgent security discussions took place during the coronation of Bakkita Bello as the 7th Olukoju of Odooko, Afa Okeagbe, in the Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State. Bello is the immediate past chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State and a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
The installation, which occurred on the weekend of January 4, 2026, was notable for the reappearance of the community's sacred 'Amgbu' regalia. This traditional symbol had not been seen publicly since it was last worn by a titleholder in 1973. The event featured solemn rites and colorful processions, underscoring the enduring role of traditional institutions in community cohesion.
While presenting the staff of office, the Ajana of Afa Okeagbe, Oba Mofolorunso Adegboyega Arasanyin, described the Olukoju title as a pillar of strength and courage for protecting the community's sacred institutions. The new Olukoju, Bello, pledged his dedication to fostering economic growth, political development, and peaceful coexistence.
Broad Endorsement for the New Leader
The occasion garnered support from various dignitaries. Senator Barrister Bode Olajumoke, who chaired the event, praised Bello as an embodiment of positive leadership values. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was represented by Fatai Atere, a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Samson Akande, urged the people of Afa Okeagbe to continue living in peace and unity for communal progress.
Professor Akinpelu concluded by describing the installation as the beginning of an unprecedented era of peaceful growth and development for the people of Okeagbe, linking community stability directly to the broader security of Yorubaland.
