Tag: Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi

…I have no regret

The redeployed Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, has denied that his removal has a link with the June 12 Democracy Day protest held in the state by the renowned human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.

Afolabi was removed from his position last week by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

He was redeployed to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he is expected to be in charge of Administration at the Department of Training and Development (DTD).

Sources had claimed that his redeployment, outside the state, was a ‘witch-hunt’ by IGP Egbetokun, to allegedly punish Afolabi for granting an audience to Mr Sowore, who was attacked by thugs during the June 12 protest.

In a statement released to journalists in Akure on Sunday, the CP said the reports of his redeployment linked to the protest were misleading.

He explained that with his over three decades of experience, he understood the dynamics of the Nigeria Police Force, where transfers are routine parts of the service.

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“The Commissioner of Police wishes to unequivocally state that his redeployment had no connection whatsoever with the said protest, which was handled professionally and commended by both police authorities and members of the public. He views the report as misleading, malicious, and aimed at distorting facts for sensationalism.

“CP Wilfred Afolabi, a seasoned and disciplined officer with over three decades of meritorious service, understands the dynamics of the Nigeria Police Force, where transfers and redeployments are a routine part of service.

“He affirmed that every appointment or redeployment comes from God, and if it was not divinely sanctioned, he would not have been privileged to serve in the capacity he did,” the CP was quoted in the copy of the statement.

He explained that as a man of strong faith and unwavering commitment to duty, he had continued to uphold professionalism and discipline in his conduct.

Afolabi emphasised that during the recent monthly briefing with the ranks and files of the police command, he had always preached the importance of professionalism, good ethics, and exemplary conduct in the discharge of their duties.

“Contrary to the false narrative being circulated, CP Afolabi harbours no bitterness or regret over his redeployment.

“If anything, his tenure in Ondo State has been marked by notable achievements, including the arrest and prosecution of over 30 confirmed kidnappers, the dismantling of 83 cult gangs, and the apprehension of numerous armed robbers and car snatchers.

“These successes are a testament to his dedication, effectiveness, and leadership.”

Following his redeployment notice last week, Afolabi said he continued his duties diligently, encouraging officers to remain focused, professional, and emotionally detached from transfers, which are part of the service.

“In a show of professionalism and humility, he personally contacted the incoming Commissioner of Police, congratulated him, and scheduled the formal handover for Monday, June 30th, to ensure a smooth transition.

“The public is, therefore, urged to disregard the misleading report and treat it as one of the many instances of armchair journalism aimed at causing unnecessary discord and spreading falsehoods.”

He, however, noted that he committed to the ideals of the Nigeria Police Force and continues to serve with honour, integrity, and the fear of God.

Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, has been redeployed to Abuja by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Sources told The Nation on Sunday that Afolabi, who became the state’s 45th commissioner following his deployment by the Police Service Commission in December 2024, was removed from his post last week.

Although the police authorities have not issued an official statement on the reason for the sudden redeployment, insiders suggest it may be linked to the June 12 Democracy Day protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore and his supporters in Akure, the state capital.

One source disclosed that Afolabi has been reassigned to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he is expected to oversee Administration at the Department of Training and Development.

“I’m aware that he (Afolabi) has been moved to the Force Headquarters in Abuja,” he said, after pleading for anonymity.

The police spokesperson in the state, Ayanlade Olayinka, also confirmed the redeployment of Mr Afolabi to our reporter in a brief chat on Sunday.

Olayinka said a new commissioner of police, CP Adebowale Lawal, has also assumed duty post and replaced the redeployed Afolabi in the state police command.

“It is true. CP Wilfred Afolabi has been redeployed to Abuja, and a new man has resumed duty in the state police command.

“We want you to bear with us, and we shall be unveiling the new CP soon or in the coming weeks,” he said.

Meanwhile, the redeployment of Mr Afolabi, who the ranks and files of the state police command described as a ‘good man’, has sparked reactions.

Some officers who spoke hinted that Afolabi, who, upon resumption of his duty in the Ondo Police Command, redefined the security formations in tackling crime effectively, was being witch-hunted by the police hierarchy.

“This is the man who met a lot of mess on the ground when he assumed office, but put it upon himself to improve our intelligence gathering in fighting crime and criminal elements.

“He tackled crime even by using his resources and expertise. He’s a good man who does not deserve such redeployment. He had barely used seven months here when he’s being redeployed,” one of the officers said.