Erinja, Ilobi honour Egbetokun at grand homecoming reception

Residents of Erinja and neighbouring Ilobi in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State rolled out drums last Saturday to celebrate former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Egbetokun (rtd), following his successful return home after decades of national service.

The reception, organised by the community in appreciation of his unblemished service years, as well as his contributions towards human, security and infrastructural development; drew traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders and indigenes from across Yewa land, with Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, leading other representatives of the state government to the event.

The celebration recognised Egbetokun’s historic tenure as Nigeria’s 22nd Inspector-General of Police and the first indigene of Ogun State to occupy the nation’s top policing office.

Celebrating Egbetokun, Salako-Oyedele noted that he attained the peak of his profession with “distinction, dignity and a strong sense of duty.”

She said: “Today, my husband and I had the honour of joining the good people of Ilobi and Erinja for the homecoming and civic reception in honour of Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, the first Ogun State indigene to attain the office of the Inspector-General of Police on his retirement.

Read Also: Edun, Dangiwa resigned, not sacked — Presidency clarifies

“It was a proud moment for the communities, as they celebrated one of their own who rose to the peak of his profession with distinction, dignity and a strong sense of duty. His journey has not only brought honour to Ilobi and Erinja, but has also inspired many across Ogun State and beyond.

“I congratulate the honouree, his wife Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun, and the entire family, as well as our revered Kabiyesis, the Olobi of Ilobi and the Elerinja of Erinja, on this special occasion. I wish him a fulfilling and impactful retirement as he begins this new chapter.”

The Elerinja of Erinja, Oba Ebenezer Egunjobi, described the retired police chief as a symbol of integrity and discipline, whose career brought honour and national recognition to Erinja, Yewa land and Ogun State.

The monarch expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Egbetokun as IGP, noting the decision elevated the profile of the community at the national level.

“This is more than a celebration. It is a moment of pride for Erinja. Adeolu is not only a national figure; he is a true son and prince of Erinja who carried the name of this town forward with honour and distinction,” the Elerinja said.

He added that Egbetokun’s rise to the peak of the Nigeria Police Force demonstrated that greatness could emerge from humble beginnings and should serve as inspiration to young people across the community.

Oba Egunjobi further praised the retired IGP for maintaining high standards of professionalism throughout his career, describing his service as a reference point for discipline, humility and consistency in public office.

Responding, Egbetokun described the reception as deeply humbling and emotionally significant, noting that being celebrated by his own people in his ancestral home represented one of the greatest honours of his life.

He recalled that the same communities had organised a reception in his honour following his appointment as IGP in 2023, describing the gesture as a rare demonstration of enduring loyalty and solidarity.

“To be welcomed, embraced and celebrated by one’s own people in one’s ancestral home is a rare privilege that words can scarcely capture,” he said.

The retired police chief emphasised that the values of integrity, honesty and discipline instilled in him while growing up in Ilobi and Erinja guided his conduct throughout his 36-year career in the Nigeria Police Force.

He said the consistent reminder by parents in the community to “remember whose child you are” remained a moral compass that shaped his decisions, especially in difficult moments of national service.

Egbetokun narrated how his mother once questioned him extensively after he purchased a used Volkswagen Beetle as a young officer, insisting on knowing the source of the money and reminding him that “a good name is better than silver and gold.”

According to him, the experience reinforced his lifelong commitment to honesty and accountability in public service.

“If, over the course of my service, I have earned the recognition you bestow on me today, it is not by my strength alone,” he said. “It is by the values instilled in me by this community.”

He therefore dedicated the honour to the people of Ilobi and Erinja, parents, teachers and elders who contributed to shaping his character.

The former police chief praised the longstanding unity between Ilobi and Erinja, describing the relationship as a model worthy of national recognition.

Drawing from his experience managing communal conflicts across the country, Egbetokun said the cooperation between the two communities stood in sharp contrast to divisions seen elsewhere.

“While other communities struggle with division, Ilobi and Erinja have consistently chosen unity, cooperation and shared progress,” he said.

He particularly commended the communities for sustaining religious harmony, noting that Muslims and Christians regularly participate in one another’s religious celebrations — a culture he described as a powerful example of peaceful coexistence.

Egbetokun urged communities across Nigeria facing internal conflicts to emulate the Ilobi–Erinja model by embracing dialogue, unity and mutual respect.

He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him during his career and acknowledged Ogun State Government for infrastructure development in Yewa land, including the completion of Okerinja-Ilobi Road.

High points of the events were cultural displays, presentation of awards, tributes from guests, as well as a thanksgiving service at the local church on Sunday morning.