By: Sunday Ameh
Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, on Wednesday distanced himself from the worsening insecurity in the South-West, insisting that he had repeatedly warned state governors and proposed solutions before the crisis escalated.
Adams made this known during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, where he gave a detailed account of intelligence alerts, strategic proposals and engagements with political authorities which, he said, were largely ignored.
He described the current security situation as unprecedented in the history of Yorubaland, noting that the region, once regarded as relatively peaceful, is now grappling with kidnapping, armed attacks and killings.
According to him, the crisis developed over time due to prolonged inaction, particularly in agrarian and border communities where early signs of infiltration by armed groups were evident.
Adams said his concerns predated his installation as Aare Ona Kakanfo in 2018, revealing that he had raised alarm over movements of armed elements into parts of Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa.
“If you want to blame anybody on the issue of insecurity in the Southwest, don’t blame me, because I have done everything within my power to raise awareness and push for proactive measures before things got out of hand,” he said.
He added that intelligence reports at the time pointed to the growing presence of non-state actors with sophisticated weapons, but the warnings were not taken seriously.
Speaking on calls for him to take decisive action, Adams clarified that the expectations placed on him do not reflect present-day political and legal realities.
He explained that although the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo historically carried military authority under the old Oyo Empire, modern governance structures in Nigeria restrict such powers.
“You cannot just wake up and take security directives on your own, no matter the title you hold,” he said, warning that any unilateral action without government approval would be unlawful.
Adams linked these limitations to structural changes following the Amalgamation of Nigeria, which he said stripped traditional institutions of their former authority.
He maintained that even community-level security arrangements now require government approval, limiting the extent of his intervention.
Amotekun, Politicisation Concerns
On regional efforts to tackle insecurity, Adams acknowledged the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), but argued that the initiative has been weakened by lack of a unified command structure.
He said the original vision of Amotekun was a coordinated regional outfit with effective intelligence sharing, but the decentralised approach adopted by individual states undermined its effectiveness.
He also criticised inconsistencies in implementation and alleged politicisation in recruitment, warning that competence has often been sacrificed for patronage.
Adams further disclosed that he proposed a broader security framework that would integrate grassroots networks such as the Oodua People’s Congress, hunters and vigilantes into a structured system.
According to him, millions of operatives across these groups could significantly strengthen security if properly organised and supported.
“We are not lacking in manpower; what we are lacking is coordination and political will,” he said.
Adams warned that the growing sophistication of criminal elements, coupled with limited access to advanced weapons by local security outfits, has worsened the security situation.
He stressed that the way forward lies in stronger collaboration between government and grassroots security structures, anchored on intelligence sharing and coordinated action.
“The solution is not complicated, but it requires sincerity and commitment,” he said, warning that failure to act decisively could further escalate insecurity in the region.
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