Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke announced Monday that his administration is reforming the state’s Amotekun Corps to enhance collaboration between local communities and federal security services.
Adeleke made the announcement while receiving a delegation from the Ife Development Board at the Government House in Osogbo. He expressed concern over the underdevelopment of Ile Ife, stating that it was unacceptable and pledging to initiate significant upgrades, starting with the Lagere flyover and the dualization of the road leading to the palace.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke emphasized that Ile Ife cannot continue to appear like a village when attracting global visitors. He affirmed the city’s importance and its need for improved infrastructure.
Accompanied by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Adeleke highlighted that Ile Ife serves as the cultural capital of the Yoruba people and a global hub for tourism and religion for Yoruba communities in North and South America and beyond. He praised the Ooni of Ife and local leaders for their support on ongoing projects and noted the economic benefits of the Lagere flyover, which connects business activities from Osun West, Ilesa, and Ondo through Garage Olode.
On agriculture, the governor informed the delegation that the state government would soon unveil an African Development Bank-supported agricultural processing zone in Ile Ife.
Earlier, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, president of the Ife Development Board, commended Adeleke for his development efforts in Osun and specifically in Ile Ife, while presenting requests related to road expansion, security, and agriculture.
