The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has applauded the reported recognition of July 7 as World Amotekun Day by the United Nations, describing the move as a “major morale booster” for grassroots security initiatives in Nigeria.
Afenifere’s commendation came in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, following the presentation of a UN-affiliated certificate of affiliation to Akogun Adetunji Adeleye (DCC Rtd), Commandant of the Ondo State Security Network Agency—Amotekun Corps.
The presentation was made by Ambassador Peer Stafsen, President of World Peace, an affiliate of the United Nations, through the International Association of World Peace Advocates. The recognition was said to be in honour of Amotekun’s commitment to safeguarding lives and promoting peace across Nigeria’s South-West region.
The Ondo State capital, Akure, hosted the formal presentation, a fitting choice given the instrumental role played by the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, in establishing the Amotekun initiative.
According to Ambassador Stafsen, Amotekun’s operations align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global peace framework leading up to 2030. As part of the recognition, the Amotekun Corps has been invited to attend the UN General Assembly and security-related meetings—starting with the upcoming session in New York on September 22, 2025.
In its reaction, Afenifere praised the move as “unprecedented” for a subnational security outfit in Africa. “Amotekun’s recognition by the UN is a strong validation of the vision and resilience behind its creation. It shows that locally-rooted solutions can earn global acclaim,” said Ajayi.
He further noted that Amotekun’s visible impact in curbing crime, aiding farmers, and ensuring highway safety is what earned it international attention. “It’s not just a regional milestone—it’s a blueprint that others across Nigeria are now seeking to replicate,” he said.