Yewa people celebrate Egbetokun's legacy of discipline, integrity
Tributes poured in torrents for former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun (rtd), as senior police leadership, politicians, traditional rulers and community stakeholders gathered at Ilaro, Ogun State to celebrate
Tributes poured in torrents for former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun (rtd), as senior police leadership, politicians, traditional rulers and community stakeholders gathered at Ilaro, Ogun State to celebrate his successful retirementretirement.
Themed "celebrating a life of service, integrity and leadership", the event which held at the Yewa Frontier Hotel, Ilaro, was organised by the Yewa People Development Council (YPDC) in collaboration with the Yewa Traditional Council.
Speaking at the well attended ceremony, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun described the civic reception as a historic gathering celebrating excellence, integrity, and service to humanity.
He said the event reflected the enduring culture of gratitude and unity among the people of Yewaland, adding that it underscored Ogun State’s tradition of recognising sons and daughters who brought honour to the state and the nation.
He also commended the Yewa Traditional Council and the Yewa People Development Council for organising the reception, and for sustaining values that support development and harmony across the region.
Abiodun highlighted Egbetokun’s distinguished policing career, noting that he made history as the first indigene of Ogun State to serve as IGP. He said the former police chief’s tenure was marked by professionalism, institutional reforms, strengthened public confidence in policing, and a firm commitment to national security.
The governor further acknowledged Egbetokun’s contributions to improving security in Yewaland, particularly his role in addressing farmers–herders conflicts and enhancing protection of lives and property. He said these interventions helped restore stability in affected communities, supported agricultural productivity and peaceful coexistence in the region.
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The governor who was represented by the Head of Service to the State Government (HSSG), Kehinde Onosanya, paid glowing tribute to Oba Kehinde Olugbenle for his stabilising leadership and commitment to peace and cultural preservation in Yewaland.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to security, Abiodun assured residents that Ogun State would continue investing in modern security infrastructure and strengthening collaboration among security agencies.
He urged youths to remain peaceful and law-abiding as the next election cycle approaches, encouraging them to draw inspiration from Egbetokun’s discipline, resilience, and dedication to service as a model for responsible citizenship.
The Senator representing Ogun West district, Solomon Adeola alias Yayi, also extolled Egbetokun's virtues, noting how he has remained true to himself in the over 30 years he's known him.
"We thank God for bringing our son back to us and we're celebrating him today. I'm happy to be part of this occasion of celebrating you.
This is a man who has served and represented us very well and we recognise all your transformative agenda and development strides in the police," he said.
The Senator also noted Egbetokun's love for Yewaland and how he called them on several occasions to present a united front so that the region can produce the next governor of the state.
"The IGP has called me several times to say that the governorship of Ogun State should not elude us. He has been holding several meetings to ensure that comes to reality and I am sure in no distant time, that vision will soon be achieved.
"The IGP also played instrumental role in the University of Police, Yewa, Ogun State which the Bill has been passed and awaiting Presidential assent. We'll work closely to ensure this comes true because of the impact it will have in our land and state in general," Adeola added.
The Senator who remarked that Egbetokun should be open for more service, prayed for higher assignments for him in the near future.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Kunle Salako, said Egbetokun's life was a testimony that with determination, integrity and discipline, anyone, even from a humble beginning, can reach the pinnacle of their careers.
Congratulating Egbetokun, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who read two speeches including his address at the pulling out ceremony of the honouree, thanked Yewaland for giving an outstanding, smart, calculative and result oriented person in service of the country all these years.
Disu, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, described Egbetokun’s 35 years of service in the police as exemplary, noting that his career was marked by professionalism, discipline, and impactful reforms.
“His tenure as the 22nd indigenous Inspector-General of Police recorded significant achievements in crime prevention, control and institutional strengthening,” he said.
The IGP added that Egbetokun introduced reforms that enhanced operational efficiency, promoted community policing and improved public confidence in the force.
“He emphasised accountability, respect for the rule of law and responsiveness to emerging security challenges.
”He left service with honour and a legacy that will continue to inspire modern policing in Nigeria,” Disu said.
In his opening remarks, Yewa Paramount ruler and the Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas, Kehinde Olugbenle, said it was a great honour for the region to celebrate Egbetokun because people like him were scarce to find.
"While in service,you showed that you're truly a prince and a son that can be relied on. Your life is a testament that anyone with determination can rise to the pinnacle of his or her career.
"You've done us, the Yewa people, Ogun State and the country much proud. Your footprints in our land are loud for anyone to see, and, we can't thank you enough. This gathering is our token to appreciate you.
"As a prince and son of the soil, we can't give you any chieftaincy title, but if we call you Okanlomo, Akinrogun and more, you worth more than that," the monarch added as the traditional council presented an award to Egbetokun.
Chairman, YPDC, Prof. Rahamon Bello, thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Yewa son as IGP, adding that Egbetokun's career stood as a testament of grace, hard work and self improvement.
In his remarks, IGP Egbetokun attributed his professional outlook to the values instilled during his upbringing in Yewaland, particularly discipline, honesty, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
He said those formative principles shaped his conduct throughout his policing career and guided his decisions even in the most demanding moments of national service.
Recalling how he rejected N40,000 bribe as a young officer at a time his salary was N2, 700, to the astonishment of those who later heard the story, Egbetokun said his mother's favourite phrase "a good name is better than silver and gold",
taught him that character is the true measure of greatness.
Egbetokun expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunities he received at different stages of his career, culminating in his appointment as IGP. He pledged to remain committed to national development even in retirement.
He described the civic reception as a collective honour shared with the people of Yewa land, Ogun State and the wider Nigerian society.
