OYO SPORTS LEGENDS URGE MAKINDE, AMOTEKUN LEADERSHIP TO HONOUR LATE COMMANDER FAKAYODE, SUPPORT HIS FIVE CHILDREN

Group decries alleged absence of official condolence, demands recognition of his service and prompt payment of outstanding entitlements

The Oyo Alaafin Sports Legend Media Team has appealed to the Oyo State Government and the leadership of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, to honour the memory of the late Commander Adebowale “Falcao” Fakayode and ensure that his bereaved family receives the compassion, recognition and lawful benefits they deserve.

In a statement expressing deep concern over the circumstances surrounding his death and the reported absence of official support, the group called on Governor Seyi Makinde, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, and Hon. Olorunpoto Rahman, representing Oyo East/Oyo West, to intervene and ensure that the matter receives the attention it deserves.

Commander Fakayode, who served as the Oyo West Zonal Commander of Amotekun Corps, was remembered by the group as a disciplined security operative, a dependable leader, a mentor to younger officers and a committed public servant whose work contributed to community safety in Oyo Alaafin and its environs.

According to the Media Team, his years of service, professional commitment and personal sacrifices warrant appropriate institutional recognition, particularly at a time when his family is struggling with the painful consequences of his passing.

A PAINFUL LOSS COMPOUNDED BY REPORTED INSTITUTIONAL SILENCE

The group expressed disappointment over what it described as the reported absence of an Amotekun delegation at the late commander’s funeral proceedings and the alleged failure of the Corps to formally commiserate with his bereaved family.

It stressed that, beyond the immediate responsibilities of security operations, an institution’s commitment to its personnel should also be reflected in how it treats them and their families during moments of profound grief.

“If a man who gave his all in service cannot be honoured in death, what message does that send to those still serving?” the group asked.

The Media Team maintained that the concern was not merely about attendance at a funeral or the observance of ceremonial traditions. Rather, it was about institutional responsibility, human compassion and the assurance that the sacrifices of personnel are neither ignored nor forgotten after their service ends.

While calling for an appropriate response from the Corps, the group urged its leadership to demonstrate concern through concrete actions rather than leave the family to navigate the aftermath of the loss without the expected institutional support.

FIVE CHILDREN LEFT TO FACE A DOUBLE TRAGEDY

The circumstances of Commander Fakayode’s death have reportedly been made even more distressing by the death of his wife barely two weeks earlier.

The couple’s five children now face the devastating loss of both parents within a short period, a development the Media Team described as a profound family tragedy deserving urgent attention and compassion.

The group argued that the family’s circumstances make it particularly important for the relevant authorities to establish whether any outstanding salaries, personal emoluments, death-related benefits or other lawful entitlements remain unpaid and ensure that verified amounts are released to the rightful beneficiaries.

“Dignity in labour is the highest honour a man can earn,” the group stated, emphasising that Commander Fakayode’s commitment to duty should be acknowledged through meaningful institutional action.

It further maintained that the welfare of his children must not be compromised by avoidable administrative delays or uncertainty over benefits due to their late father.

CALL FOR GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION

The Oyo Alaafin Sports Legend Media Team has called on Governor Makinde, Speaker Ogundoyin and Hon. Rahman to engage the appropriate authorities and help secure a satisfactory resolution.

Specifically, the group is requesting that the Amotekun Corps leadership:

1. Formally commiserate with the family: Extend official condolences and demonstrate institutional solidarity with the bereaved children and other family members.
2. Recognise his contributions: Acknowledge Commander Fakayode’s service and contributions to security and community protection in Oyo Alaafin.
3. Verify and release outstanding entitlements: Promptly review any unpaid salaries, benefits or other lawful entitlements and ensure that verified amounts are paid to the rightful beneficiaries without unnecessary delay.
4. Provide appropriate welfare guidance: Ensure that the family is informed of the procedures, documentation and support available to them under applicable rules and policies.

The group said these requests were made in the interest of fairness, compassion and accountability, stressing that the family should not be left uncertain about the support and entitlements to which it may be entitled.

HONOUR MUST EXTEND BEYOND THE PERIOD OF SERVICE

For the Media Team, the matter raises a broader question about how public institutions demonstrate responsibility towards personnel who devote their time, strength and professional experience to protecting their communities.

It argued that an institution’s relationship with its personnel should not be measured solely by operational demands while they are alive, but also by the respect, care and administrative responsibility demonstrated when a serving officer dies.

The group therefore urged the leadership of Amotekun Corps, Oyo State, to respond to the concerns raised and clarify the steps being taken to address the family’s situation.

It also called for due recognition of Commander Fakayode’s legacy as a security operative, mentor and community figure whose contributions, according to the group, deserve to be remembered with respect.

The Media Team emphasised that its appeal was not intended to diminish the work of other officers or undermine the Amotekun institution, but to encourage a response consistent with the values of service, solidarity and responsibility.

Commander Adebowale “Falcao” Fakayode’s service should be remembered, his family’s concerns should be addressed, and every lawful entitlement due to his beneficiaries should be treated with urgency.

His death should not leave his children facing unanswered questions about their father’s service or the support available to them.

For a man remembered for helping to protect others, the group believes that ensuring dignity for his family is a responsibility worthy of urgent attention.

SIGNED:
Oyo Alaafin Sports Legend Media Team