Exclusive: Ondo Amotekun Commander Accused of Power Abuse, Forced Loyalty, and Payroll Secrecy

By The Journalist Cabal Investigative Team

Fresh controversy has erupted within the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) following a strongly worded petition by senior officers accusing the Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, of running the security outfit as his personal empire.

The petition, titled “Demands for Efficiency and Professionalism in Ondo State Amotekun Corps,” was jointly signed by Abu Taiwo (Northern Rep), Akinshipe Victor Temitope (Central Rep), and Ekuumi Julius (Southern Rep), and dated October 17, 2025.

The document, obtained by The Journalist Cabal, outlines 15 major demands aimed at restoring fairness, professionalism, and transparency within the Corps.

“We believe that if the Corps Commander can have his own appointment letter from the government, then Corps members must also have theirs, provided we were employed by the same state government.” — Excerpt from the petition.

Key Demands by Officers

The petition highlights critical welfare and administrative concerns within the Ondo Amotekun Corps, including:

Issuance of appointment and confirmation letters and inclusion on the state government payroll.
Payment of three months’ unpaid salaries and training allowances with interest.
End to favoritism and nepotism in promotions and rankings.
Reinstatement of dismissed officers and compensation for unpaid entitlements.
Full recognition of educational qualifications for career progression.
Investigation into embezzled or seized salaries and illegal cooperative deductions.
Establishment of a pension scheme, NHIS, and a Code of Conduct for officers.

The petition also demanded that the Head of Operations, Ejalonibu Olalekan, be relieved of his duties pending investigation into alleged misconduct.

‘Adeleye Pays Salaries Directly’ — Insider Speaks

In an exclusive interview with The Journalist Cabal, a senior officer who requested anonymity alleged that Commander Adeleye personally handles salary payments rather than the state government.

“No officer has an official appointment letter or inclusion on the Ondo State payroll. Commander Adeleye claims he personally funds our salaries,” the officer said.

The source further alleged that while the Commander frequently reports that Amotekun has over 3,000 operatives across the state, internal records show the actual manpower is less than 1,500.

“This inflated figure is being used to obtain more state funding than necessary.” the insider alleged.

Fresh Tension: Officers Forced to Sign ‘Vote of Confidence’

On October 23, 2025, tension reportedly escalated within the Corps as the Ondo Amotekun Commander allegedly compelled all Local Government Heads and Area Officers to sign a forced “Vote of Confidence” in his leadership.

Video evidence obtained by The Journalist Cabal shows officers being instructed to record statements disowning their earlier demand for appointment letters, confirmation letters, and inclusion on the government payroll.

In one of the videos reviewed by our investigative team, a young officer — claiming to be acting on direct instruction from the Commandant — was seen forcefully making his way in to drag out a colleague who refused to sign the vote of confidence document. The footage, which has since circulated among Corps members, captures visible fear, confusion, and tension among the officers present.

Observers have described the incident as an attempt to silence internal agitation rather than address legitimate grievances.

“What is the Ondo Amotekun Commander hiding from by not issuing appointment letters, confirmation letters, and placing officers on the government payroll?” one senior operative queried.

“It is shameful that the Commander himself has an official appointment letter while officers under him are denied the same recognition. Other states’ Amotekun commands have formal government documentation, so why not Ondo?”

Meanwhile, findings by The Journalist Cabal revealed that two days before the incident – on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 — Commander Adeleye was reportedly in Lagos, attending an award event where he was named ‘Man of the Year in Regional Security.’

Multiple insiders allege that journalists were paid to promote the Commander’s image at the event, even as discontent brews within the Corps back home.

“He is projecting his profile in Lagos while his house in Ondo is on fire,” another officer lamented.

Official Structure vs. Reality
Under the Ondo State Security Network Agency Law 2020, the Amotekun Corps is a state-owned security network, established, funded, and overseen by the Ondo State Government through the Ministry of Security Matters and a Governing Board.

The Corps Commander is expected to serve as an administrator, not as a financier or private owner.

However, if the allegations of direct salary payments, forced loyalty declarations, and inflated manpower are verified, it could suggest a breakdown of state oversight and possible abuse of office.

Experts React
A security governance analyst, who preferred not to be named, described the allegations as “a serious breach of institutional accountability.”

“Amotekun was designed to complement the police under state supervision. Any instance where a commander personally pays or manages funds subverts the law and the public trust,” the analyst said.

Legal experts also emphasized that the Ondo Amotekun Corps cannot lawfully operate outside the state’s financial and administrative structure.

State Government Yet to Respond

Efforts by The Journalist Cabal to obtain official comments from the Ondo State Ministry of Security Matters and the Office of the Amotekun Commander were unsuccessful as at press time. Calls and messages sent to official lines were not returned.

Meanwhile, the petitioners insist that their demands are not politically motivated but aimed at restoring dignity, professionalism, and trust in the Corps.

“We are loyal to the people of Ondo State and the vision of Amotekun, but we can no longer serve in silence under injustice,” The petition concluded.

Public Concern Over Oversight

The growing tension has sparked public concern about the true management and financial integrity of the Amotekun Corps.

While the agency remains a proud creation of the Ondo State Government, evidence emerging from within suggests that operational control may have shifted into personal hands, raising fresh questions about transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s regional security initiatives.

This investigation is ongoing. The Journalist Cabal team will continue to seek official responses from the Ondo State Government and Amotekun leadership. Citizens with verifiable information on the matter are encouraged to contact the newsroom confidentially.