Stakeholders across the Southwest geopolitical zone have called for the urgent strengthening of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, to tackle rising insecurity and support sustainable development in the region.
Speaking at the National Conference of Egbe Amofin Oodua held on Wednesday in Abeokuta, legal practitioners, senior advocates, and regional leaders emphasized the need for collaborative action among the six states of the region—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti—to reposition Amotekun and curb the menace of open grazing, terrorism, and rural banditry.
With the theme, “Regional Justice, Security, and Sustainable Development,” the conference brought together notable voices including former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Akinlolu Olujinmi (SAN), Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN).
In his keynote address, Olujinmi said enhanced collaboration and empowerment of Amotekun was critical to the safety of roads, rural areas, and farmlands across the region.
> “Collaboration among the six states to increase the capacity of Amotekun will not only tackle open grazing but also create a conducive environment for development,” Olujinmi said.
He also urged state governments to engage their citizens more directly, identifying needs and tailoring development programmes accordingly, rather than adopting one-size-fits-all policies.
He cited the region’s fertile land and youthful population as untapped assets for development and called for urgent measures to combat youth unemployment.
Delivering a presentation titled “Combating the Threats of Open Grazing, Terrorism and Need For State Police”, Dr. Wahab Shittu advocated a regional consensus to ban open grazing.
He recommended promoting ranching and establishing legal agreements between herders and farmers to manage land use peacefully.
“We cannot keep lamenting insecurity. As legal professionals, we must interpret and reform laws to serve justice,” Shittu stressed.
Also speaking at the event, Femi Falana (SAN) criticized the deteriorating standard of education in the Southwest. According to him, although education has become more accessible, quality has dropped significantly, calling for urgent reforms in the sector.
The Egbe Amofin Oodua, a body of Yoruba legal professionals, continues to advocate for regional integration in justice administration, security, and socio-economic development.
The conference concluded with a renewed call on all stakeholders to prioritize the rule of law, regional unity, and people-centered development strategies.
