The community of Erinja in Yewa South Local Government, Ogun State transformed into a carnival of pride and celebration on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as residents gathered to honour one of their most illustrious sons, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the retired 22nd Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who returned home after public service.
The civic reception, jointly organized by the Ilobi–Erinja Community, served as a heartfelt homecoming for Egbetokun, who holds the historic distinction of being the first indigene of Ogun State to ever lead the Nigeria Police Force.
The event drew high-profile guests and community leaders, including the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele among other representatives of the Ogun State government.
In his official address, the Elerinja of Erinja, His Royal Majesty Oba Ebenezer Alani Egunjobi, (FCA), Ilufemiloye Akinrogun II, lauded the retired police chief as an inspiration to the youths in the area.
Oba Egunjobi extended formal appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Egbetokun, noting that the decision brought immense visibility and national prestige to the Yewa land.
The monarch also praised Egbetokun for representing the community well as he returned to Erinja after his service with the NPF.
The monarch said: “My heart overflows with gratitude to the Almighty God for this day as we gather to honour one of our own, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, retired 22nd Inspector General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. After years of meritorious service, we give thanks for his life, strength, and safe return home; to God alone be the glory.
“This is more than a celebration. It is a moment of pride for Erinja. Adeolu is not only a national figure; he is a true son and prince of Erinja, with a deep sense of duty and an enduring commitment to his birthplace. Today, we celebrate on6e of our own who has carried the name of this town forward with honour and distinction.
“He stands as the first Inspector General of Police from Ogun State, and his achievement has brought recognition not just to Erinja, but to the entire Yewa land and our dear state. His journey has shown our people, especially our youth, that greatness can rise from humble beginnings.
“We also acknowledge and appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose decision to appoint Dr. Egbetokun not only recognized merit, but also further lifted the pride and visibility of our people at the national level.
“For over three decades, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun served this country with discipline and courage — protecting lives, maintaining order, and carrying responsibilities many cannot see. Service at that level demands sacrifice, and he gave his very best.
“He upheld standards of integrity and professionalism. Those who worked with him saw it. Those coming behind him are learning from it. His life has become a reference point, where,t with focus, humility, and consistency, one can rise to the very top.”
Reflecting on his 36-year career at the event, Egbetokun credited his success to the foundational values instilled in him by his community and his parents.
He emphasized that in Ilobi-Erinja, integrity is held in higher regard than material wealth.
He recalled his mother’s parting advice—‘remember the child of who you are’—describing it as a moral compass that guided him through the pressures and uncertainties of leading the nation’s security apparatus.
Egbetokun stated: “In the Ilobi-Erinja community we share a culture we are proud of. Here, we don’t celebrate wealth, especially if the source of the wealth is unknown or questionable.
“We instead celebrate character, we celebrate integrity, we celebrate excellence and we celebrate those who have lived with purpose, honor, and accountability.
“From childhood, we were taught that character and not material possessions defines a man. I vividly remember the parting words of our parents when we were returning to Lagos after visiting.
“The usual parting words from my mom are ‘remember the son of who you are’. These parting words were far more than a farewell, they were a moral compass. They were a constant reminder of who we are and the values we represent as a family and as a community.
“Our parents taught us that a good name is better than gold and silver and also with the caution that we shouldn’t use another man’s clock to work. These values were not mere sayings, they became guiding principles that stayed with me throughout my 36years in the Nigeria Police Force.
“They shaped my decisions, influenced my conduct, and kept me grounded especially in moments of pressure and uncertainty. I remain deeply proud to come from Ilobi-Erinja. A place where character is valued far above material wealth and where interest remains the true measure of a successful person,” Dr. Egbetokun said.
While celebrating Egbetokun at the event, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, praised the retired police czar for attaining the peak of his profession with “distinction, dignity, and a strong sense of duty.”
“Today, my husband and I had the honour of joining the good people of Ilobi and Erinja for the homecoming and civic reception in honour of Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the first Ogun State indigene to attain the office of the Inspector-General of Police on his retirement.
“It was a proud moment for the communities as they celebrated one of their own who rose to the very peak of his profession with distinction, dignity, and a strong sense of duty. His journey has not only brought honour to Ilobi and Erinja, but has also inspired many across Ogun State and beyond,” the Ogun Deputy Governor wrote on his facebook page after the event.
She continued: “I congratulate the honouree, his wife Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun, and the entire family, as well as our revered Kabiyesis, the Olobi of Ilobi and the Elerinja of Erinja, on this special occasion.
“I wish him a fulfilling and impactful retirement as he begins this new chapter.”
