Mr. Adebowale Razaq has officially assumed office as the new Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, becoming the 46th officer to lead the command.
He takes over from Mr. Wilfred Afolabi, who was recently redeployed following a directive from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held on Monday at the Ondo State Police Command Headquarters in Akure, CP Razaq called for collaboration from all stakeholders and sister security agencies to enhance security across the state.
“I see this as a significant responsibility, but with the support of my management team, the good people of Ondo State, and the media, I am confident we will succeed,” Razaq stated. “Security is not the sole responsibility of the police. I urge all stakeholders—including the military, civil defence corps, and community actors—to offer the same cooperation they gave my predecessor.”
He added that he had been fully briefed by the outgoing commissioner and would focus on areas requiring urgent attention and strategic improvements.
Razaq also expressed gratitude to the Inspector General for entrusting him with the role, promising not to disappoint.
In his farewell remarks, outgoing CP Wilfred Afolabi thanked the IGP for the opportunity to serve in the state and described Razaq as a seasoned professional. He urged officers and other security partners to extend full cooperation to the new commissioner.
“I wish him all the best,” Afolabi said. “The support you gave to me should be doubled for him. Success in policing is a collective effort.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Afolabi highlighted the importance of trust between the police and the public, noting that the community safety partnership initiative helped bridge that gap.
“When I assumed office, I noticed a lack of mutual trust between the police and the public. Through regular engagements and by sharing my personal contact, that trust gradually improved. About 70 percent of the actionable intelligence that led to major breakthroughs came from the public,” he noted.