Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has signed into law the Executive Order 001 of 2026 on the regulation of associations, groups and organisations offering security and allied services in the state.
He said that the move was necessary to ensure that all groups and associations involved in security-related activities such as vigilante and other community-based security groups operate within a clear legal and operational framework that supports peace, order and rule of law in the state.
At the signing ceremony on Wednesday, May 20, Governor Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stressed that the executive order became necessary in view of the growing security challenges confronting communities and the increasing number of groups engaging in security-related activities without proper coordination.
While noting that security remains a collective responsibility of both the government and citizens, he explained that the order was designed to ensure that all organisations involved in security and allied services are properly registered, documented and monitored by the state government.
The governor equally stressed that the people must avoid any action that could lead to ethnic tension, while cautioning socio-cultural groups to desist from narratives that could result in ethnic profiling, discrimination or confrontation, as the state government would not tolerate any form of criminality under the guise of security operations.
Makinde also used the occasion to address the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, assuring residents that the government, in collaboration with security agencies and relevant stakeholders, are working tirelessly to secure the safe return of the victims.
Governor Makinde also lauded the security agencies and residents for their patience and restraint during the difficult period, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening security coordination across the state.
He urged citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies rather than resorting to self-help or unlawful reprisals.
Earlier in his brief, the Oyo State Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Abiodun Aikomo, explained that all associations, groups and organisations offering security-related services with a membership strength above five persons must notify and register with the government through the Office of the Special Adviser on Security.
He added that existing groups must notify the office within 72 hours of signing the executive order and comply with the directive for documentation and certification.
Barrister Aikomo further stated that the regulation would enable the government to identify and monitor individuals or groups carrying weapons or operating in security uniforms across the state.
He warned that failure to comply with the executive order constitutes a violation of the law and would attract punishment accordingly.
He added that the office of the Special Adviser on Security, the Commissioner of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been directed to enforce full compliance with the order which became effective immediately after it was signed by the governor.
Those in attendance at the signing of the executive order were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal; Chief of Staff, Otunba (Dr) Segun Ogunwuyi; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd); Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Mr Abayomi Fagbenro; Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Homeland Security, ACG Segun Adegoke (rtd).
