The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has praised the United Nations for declaring July 7 as “World Amotekun Day.”
In a statement on Sunday, Afenifere’s spokesperson, Jare Ajayi, described the recognition as unprecedented and a morale booster.
The affiliation was announced by Ambassador Peer Stafsen of the World Peace, an affiliate of the UN, during a presentation of a certificate to Ondo State Amotekun Corps Commandant, Adetunji Adeleye. Represented by Ambassador Markwili Mgbara, Stafsen said the corps was honoured for “promoting safety and protecting lives and property across Nigeria’s South-West region.”
Ajayi highlighted the role of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in the formation of Amotekun, which was launched in January 2020. He added, “Their not succumbing to intimidation has helped greatly in checking crimes in the region.”
Afenifere urged Southwest governments to leverage the UN recognition and push for the establishment of state police to further curb insecurity.