KEY POINTS

• Governor Seyi Makinde signed an executive order regulating security-related associations and groups in Oyo State.
• The order aims to improve accountability, coordination, and legal oversight of private and community security operations.
• The move comes amid rising insecurity, including recent kidnappings of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire LGA.

Governor Seyi Makinde has signed a new executive order aimed at regulating the activities of associations, groups, and organisations involved in providing security and allied services across Oyo State.

The executive order, officially titled “Executive Order on the Regulation of Associations, Groups and Organisations Offering Security and Allied Services in Oyo State”, was signed as part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen security coordination and improve oversight of non-state actors participating in community security activities.

According to the governor, the increasing complexity of insecurity in different parts of the country has made it necessary for government to establish clearer structures for monitoring and coordinating groups involved in security-related operations.

Speaking after signing the order, Governor Makinde explained that the directive is intended to ensure that all organisations participating in security-related activities operate within a clearly defined legal and operational framework.

He stated that while many community associations and local groups have contributed positively to maintaining peace and supporting lawful security efforts, there is now a greater need for standardisation, accountability, and proper regulation.

The governor noted that the executive order would help the government ensure that such organisations conduct their activities in ways that align with the rule of law and existing state security policies. He added that the initiative is not designed to discourage community participation in security matters, but rather to strengthen coordination among all actors involved in protecting lives and property.

Makinde says growing insecurity requires accountability and regulation

Governor Seyi Makinde emphasized that security can no longer be treated as the sole responsibility of government agencies alone, noting that citizens, associations, and local groups all have roles to play in safeguarding communities.

However, he stressed that the growing sophistication of criminal activities has made it necessary for the government to introduce stricter oversight mechanisms to prevent disorder, abuse, or unregulated operations by groups claiming to provide security services.

According to him, the new executive order is aimed at promoting coordination, accountability, and operational clarity among all security-related organisations within the state. He maintained that the measure represents another step in the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents across Oyo State.

The signing of the executive order comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of the state following recent attacks on schools and communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

Armed men had reportedly attacked schools within the Ogbomoso axis, abducting pupils, students, and teachers from several educational institutions, including Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A Primary School in Esin Ele.

Addressing the situation, Governor Makinde assured residents that security agencies are actively working to secure the safe release of the abducted victims. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to collaborating with relevant security authorities to tackle insecurity and restore calm in affected communities.

The new executive order is expected to introduce stronger oversight of private security-related groups and associations operating within the state. Analysts believe the move could help streamline local security initiatives and improve cooperation between community-based organisations and official security agencies.

The development also reflects growing concern among state governments over rising insecurity and the increasing role played by informal and community-driven security groups in maintaining local safety.

With the new directive now in effect, associations and organisations involved in security and allied services in Oyo State are expected to comply with the operational and regulatory guidelines outlined by the government.