Amotekun Commander Speaks on Irun Ekun, Says Sunday Igboho-Linked Outfit Is No Threat

The Ondo State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, has said the community-based security outfit known as Irun Ekun does not pose a threat to the state security network.

Irun Ekun was established by Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, as a community-based regional security initiative.

Speaking at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure, Adeleye said there was a fundamental difference between the two organisations, particularly in their legal status.

According to him, Amotekun was established through legislation, while Irun Ekun does not have the same statutory foundation.

“Irun Ekun is not a product of law while Amotekun was established through the enactment of the law.”

Adeleye made the comments while parading suspects arrested for various alleged crimes across Ondo State.

The Amotekun commander stressed that the corps does not operate on the same footing as Irun Ekun, indicating that the state-backed security organisation derives its authority from the law establishing it.

He also assured residents that Amotekun would continue working with other security agencies to protect lives and property across the state.

The comments come amid growing attention around community-based security initiatives in the South-West, where concerns over kidnapping, banditry and other forms of insecurity have encouraged calls for stronger local security structures.

Amotekun was established across the South-West states through state legislation following the launch of the Western Nigeria Security Network in 2020. Its operations are intended to complement the work of conventional security agencies.

Adeleye’s comments suggest that Ondo Amotekun does not currently regard Irun Ekun as an organisation requiring confrontation or posing a direct security challenge to the state-backed corps.

He reiterated that Amotekun would continue to work alongside sister security agencies to maintain security in Ondo State and protect residents from criminal activities.