Tinubu: Ex-IG’s tenure marked by clarity, professionalism
President Bola Tinubu has praised the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, describing his tenure as one marked by “stability, clarity, and professionalism. In a goodwill message on Egbetokun’s retirement,
President Bola Tinubu has praised the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, describing his tenure as one marked by “stability, clarity, and professionalism.
In a goodwill message on Egbetokun’s retirement, Tinubu recounted his personal and professional relationship with the former police chief, tracing it back to 1998.
The President said Egbetokun, though a young officer at the time, displayed “character, discipline, intellectual depth and a sense of duty,” adding that his early impressions of him had remained consistent over the years.
“It is with a deep sense of honour, personal pride, and national gratitude that I pay tribute to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on the occasion of his retirement after an illustrious and impactful career in the Police.
“My reflections today are not only institutional; they are deeply personal. I recall with clarity my first encounter with him in 1998. Though a relatively young officer at the time, what stood before me was not merely rank, but character, discipline, intellectual depth, and a sense of duty. There was a quiet confidence about him, rooted not in ambition, but in competence and integrity. Those impressions endured.”
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Tinubu also revisited a 1999 encounter following his election as governor of Lagos State, noting Egbetokun had declined consideration as aide-de-camp on grounds of seniority, recommending a younger officer instead. According to the President, Egbetokun instead served as chief security officer, a role he discharged with exceptional professionalism, loyalty and diligence.
“In 1999, upon my election as governor of Lagos State, I considered him for the role of aide-de-camp. Characteristically, he declined, noting he was senior to Tunji Disu and that the younger officer should assume the position. In that moment, I saw again his discipline, modesty, and respect for order. He instead served as my chief security officer, a role he discharged with professionalism, loyalty, and diligence.”
He further listed Egbetokun’s postings, including Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, Police Mobile Force, FCT Command, training institutions, Explosive Ordnance Disposal units and Kwara State Command, saying his career reflected discipline, consistency and results.
“Over the years, I followed his career closely, and everywhere I looked, the story was consistent, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun distinguished himself. Across operational, investigative, and administrative roles, from the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos to the Police Mobile Force, the FCT Command, training institutions, EOD operations, and the Kwara State Command. He built a reputation earned through discipline, consistency, and results. He was widely regarded as calm under pressure, firm in decision-making, and unwavering in service.”
Tinubu said Egbetokun’s appointment as Inspector-General of Police in 2023 was a natural progression of a career defined by steady growth, adding that his leadership brought institutional strengthening and a more intelligence-driven approach to policing.
“What stood out most was not only his competence, but his growth. He evolved from a promising young officer into a refined, strategic, and dependable leader, shaped by experience and guided by principle.
“It was therefore no surprise when his career culminated in his appointment as Inspector-General of Police in 2023. In that role, he brought stability, clarity, and professionalism to the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, advancing institutional strengthening and a more intelligence-driven approach to policing.
“As he retires, we celebrate not merely the completion of service, but the validation of a lifetime defined by discipline, loyalty, and integrity. He represents the very best of what our institutions can produce, a man whose journey affirms that character, when sustained over time, earns trust and responsibility,” Tinubu added.
The President, however, offered no assessment of the controversies, operational challenges, or public criticisms that trailed policing under his tenure, focusing instead on a narrative of professionalism and internal stability.
He thanked Egbetokun for his service to national security and wishing him good health and fulfilment in retirement.
