By Samuel Adeola
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has redeployed the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, barely seven months after his appointment.
Afolabi, who assumed duty in December 2024 as the 45th Commissioner of Police in the state, has been assigned to the Department of Training and Development.
Though no official reason was given for his transfer, sources suggest it may be connected to the recent June 12 Democracy Day protest in Akure, led by activist Omoyele Sowore and his group.
A police source confirmed the development, saying, “He has been moved to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.”
Spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, SP Ayanlade Olayinka, also confirmed the redeployment on Sunday, stating that a new commissioner, CP Adebowale Lawal, has taken over.
“It is true. CP Wilfred Afolabi has been redeployed to Abuja, and a new commissioner has resumed duty in the state command,” he said, adding that an official unveiling of the new CP would take place soon.
The sudden transfer has sparked mixed reactions within the police ranks in Ondo. Some officers described Afolabi as a committed leader who prioritized reforms and security.
“This is a man who inherited a lot of operational mess and made significant improvements,” said one officer. “He even used his personal funds to support crime-fighting efforts. He doesn’t deserve this kind of treatment.”
Afolabi’s removal comes amid heightened scrutiny of police actions during public demonstrations, particularly in politically sensitive periods like Democracy Day.
