Ondo Approves Recruitment of 500 Amotekun Officers to Boost Security
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Photo: Ondo State Government House
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the recruitment and training of 500 new Amotekun Corps officers as part of ongoing efforts to improve community policing and enhance security across the state. The announcement was made at the inauguration of 130 new Justices of the Peace (JPs) at The Dome, Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the additional personnel will help reinforce the state’s security network and support rapid response to local threats, especially at the grassroots where many security issues begin.
Empowering Grassroots Justice Through New Justices of the Peace
The governor urged the newly appointed JPs to uphold fairness and strengthen justice delivery within their communities.
“The office of the Justice of the Peace is not just a title but a sacred responsibility,” Aiyedatiwa said. “Your commitment to justice will leave an indelible mark on the lives you touch.”
He reminded the JPs that their role is to promote peace, resolve disputes, and support community stability, describing them as a bridge between citizens and the formal justice system.
After 17 years of inactivity, the JP system has been revived under the current administration to restore community-based dispute resolution and reduce pressure on the courts.
Why the JP System Matters Today
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, explained that the Justice of the Peace system—introduced in Nigeria during the colonial era—has evolved into a respected civic institution. Under Section 12 of the Magistrates’ Court Law, JPs can maintain peace, mediate conflicts, administer oaths, and assist in justice administration.
Ajulo noted that as Nigeria faces rising insecurity and declining trust in local governance, the JPs play a vital role in promoting stability and restoring confidence in grassroots justice.
A Call to Serve with Integrity
The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola (represented by Justice Akintan Osadebe), advised the appointees to study their handbook thoroughly and understand their duties, which include resolving disputes, maintaining public order, visiting detention centres, and ensuring detainees’ rights are protected.
Ondo State’s combined move to expand the Amotekun Corps and revive the JP system shows a strong commitment to grassroots security and justice. With strengthened community policing and empowered local mediators, the state aims to build safer, more peaceful communities for all residents.
