Map of Ondo State

Mr Adebowale Razaq has officially resumed duties as the new Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, becoming the 46th CP to lead the state’s command. He takes over from Mr Wilfred Afolabi, who was recently redeployed on the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

At the handing-over ceremony held at the Ondo State Police Command Headquarters in Akure on Monday, CP Razaq solicited the support of all stakeholders and security agencies in the fight against crime across the state.

Describing his new role as a significant challenge, Razaq said he was confident that, with the cooperation of his management team, security operatives, the media, and residents of Ondo State, he would meet expectations.

“I see this as a big responsibility, but I am ready to take it on with full commitment,” he said. “Security is a collective responsibility. I therefore call on all stakeholders — including the military, civil defence corps, and non-state actors — to continue the support they gave to my predecessor.”

Razaq also noted that his predecessor had briefed him on key areas that require attention and re-strategising, which he promised to prioritise. He thanked the IGP for the opportunity and vowed not to disappoint.

Earlier, outgoing CP Wilfred Afolabi expressed gratitude to the IGP for the opportunity to serve in the state. He described the redeployment as a routine practice within the force and praised Razaq as a seasoned and competent officer.

Afolabi urged officers of the command and other security stakeholders to give the new CP even greater support than they had shown him, emphasising the need for continuity in the command’s successes.

Reflecting on his tenure, Afolabi identified the rebuilding of mutual trust between the police and the public as one of his key achievements. He credited the launch of the Community Safety Partnership initiative for boosting public confidence and facilitating information-sharing, which he said played a vital role in solving major cases.

“Seventy per cent of our major breakthroughs came through public information,” he revealed. “This trust must be sustained, and I urge everyone to support the incoming commissioner as he continues the work.”

The change in leadership marks a new chapter for the Ondo State Police Command, as it continues efforts to strengthen community policing and tackle emerging security challenges.