A security scholar at the University of Ibadan (UI) and former Acting Vice Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, is to moderate a panel session at a colloquium organised to commemorate the posthumous 70th birthday of former Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN
The colloquium, which is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, will focus on the fundamentals and governance of state policing and its place in Nigeria’s evolving national security architecture.
The programme is being organised by the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Foundation in partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission.
A letter signed by the Director-General of DAWN Commission, Dr Seye Oyeleye, on behalf of the two organisations, invited Prof. Aremu to moderate the panel session.
The colloquium is themed, “Fundamentals and Governance of State Policing: Towards a New Architecture for National Security in Nigeria,” while the keynote address will be delivered by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Aremu, whose academic interests include security and related social issues, is expected to bring his scholarly and institutional experience to the panel discussion as participants examine the prospects, principles, governance structure and challenges of state policing in Nigeria.
The organisers said the event would provide a platform for informed dialogue among policymakers, academics, security professionals and other stakeholders on the future of Nigeria’s national security architecture.
They said Aremu was considered suitable to moderate the session because of his academic background and experience in guiding scholarly and policy discussions on issues of national importance.
The colloquium is also expected to examine the security legacy of Akeredolu, particularly his role in advancing regional security cooperation during his tenure as governor.
Akeredolu, who died in December 2023, was a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum.
During his tenure as Ondo State Governor, he was among the prominent advocates of stronger regional security arrangements, culminating in the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Operation Amotekun.
The discussion is expected to bring together distinguished stakeholders, including security professionals, academics, policymakers and members of the wider public, to exchange perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of state policing.
The event will commence at 9:00 a.m. at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
