A peace meeting convened to address grievances among Ondo State Amotekun Corps officers ended in violence on October 23, 2025, after alleged thugs disrupted negotiations and assaulted personnel demanding formal employment documentation.
The meeting, scheduled for 12:23 pm at the Senior Staff Club, brought together three regional representatives – Abu Taiwo (Northern), Akinsipe Victor Temitope (Central), and Ekujumi Julius (Southern) – with zonal commanders to discuss the long-standing issue of non-issuance of appointment and confirmation letters.
According to sources, the Corps’ Operations Officer, identified as Eja, allegedly led armed individuals wielding knives, guns, and traditional charms to disrupt the proceedings. Multiple officers sustained injuries and required hospital treatment following the attack.
The aggrieved officers claim that Eja, allegedly acting on orders from State Commandant Chief Adetuji Adeleye, threatened their lives while they advocated for formal employment letters and inclusion on the state government payroll.
Allegations of Intimidation and Coercion
An investigative journalist who has spent over five days in Akure reported that approximately 97 percent of Amotekun personnel support demands for formal documentation but remain silent due to alleged traditional oaths administered by the Commandant, which they claim threaten death and dismissal for speaking out.
Several coordinators reportedly told the journalist they were coerced into signing a vote of confidence for Chief Adeleye and forced to record statements denying they had authorized anyone to fight for their employment rights.
“We are all afraid to talk in his presence because of the forceful traditional oath,” one coordinator stated. “Chief Adetuji Adeleye has turned Ondo State Amotekun Corps into a secret cult. Please help us out.”
Welfare Concerns and Disparity
Officers have raised serious concerns about poor welfare conditions, favoritism in promotions, and unpaid salaries. They allege that while Eja received five promotions within a year due to his proximity to the Commandant, other personnel have remained in the same rank for years.
The aggrieved officers note that Amotekun Corps in neighboring Osun, Ekiti, and Ogun states have already received appointment and confirmation letters, leaving Ondo personnel without job security or formal government recognition.
“Appointment letters will enable us to have confidence and assurance in the job given to us by the government and to remain loyal to serving the good people of Ondo State,” the officers stated.
Efforts to reach Chief Adetuji Adeleye for comment have been unsuccessful.
