The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has appointed CP Adebowale Lawal as the new Commissioner of Police for Ondo State, making him the 46th police chief to oversee security operations in the state.
He replaces CP Wilfred Afolabi, who has been redeployed to Abuja.
The official handover ceremony took place in Akure, where the outgoing CP Afolabi expressed appreciation for the support he received during his tenure.
“I want to give thanks to God. He has been kind and merciful to me,” Afolabi said. “I also thank the IGP for the opportunity to serve as the 45th Commissioner of Police in Ondo State. At the height of security challenges, the IGP provided logistics and technical support that contributed to our breakthroughs.”
Afolabi also acknowledged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his consistent backing and clarified that his redeployment was part of routine police postings.
“Posting is a normal thing in the Nigeria Police. It’s not about how long you stay, but how well you perform. I’ve communicated key strategies and achievements to the incoming CP. For instance, in the past month, there hasn’t been a single reported case of kidnapping in Ondo State,” he added.
Reflecting on his tenure, Afolabi highlighted the decline in security incidents, crediting effective crime prevention measures and the dedication of police personnel.
In his inaugural address, the new CP, Adebowale Lawal, expressed gratitude to the IGP for the appointment and vowed to sustain and improve upon his predecessor’s achievements.
“I promise to live up to expectations and strengthen the existing strategies to curb criminality in Ondo State,” Lawal said. “However, security is not the sole responsibility of the police. I appeal for the cooperation of all residents to achieve lasting peace and safety.”
Lawal assured residents of his commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to maintain a secure environment across the state.