The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Ayodele Sonubi, has retired from active service after 33 years, receiving accolades from dignitaries, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, Governor Seyi Makinde, and other prominent figures.
At a retirement ceremony held in his honor on Friday, February 21 at the State Police Command, Eleyele, Ibadan, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Fayoade Adegoke of Zone II, praised Sonubi as a law enforcement strategist and dedicated professional.
He described retirement as a time to reflect on years of sacrifice and commended Sonubi’s remarkable service and contributions to security in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
In his goodwill message, the Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Compol Fatai Owoseni, described Sonubi as a thoroughbred professional with integrity, and thanked him for his dedicated service to the state as commissioner of Police.
While expressing optimism in his abilities to explore life for greater accomplishments in his retirement, Makinde urged other junior personnel of the Nigerian Police to emulate the retired CP to attain such glowing and well decorated career.
Makinde added that as he bows out of service, Sonubi’s legacy of professionalism, dedication, and inter-agency collaboration remains a benchmark in law enforcement in the state.
Brigadier General H. I. Dasuki, the Garrison Commander of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, in his remarks, highlighted the robust collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Police Command particularly, Oyo state command under Sonubi’s leadership, assuring that this partnership would continue.
Alhaji Mogaji Aramide Olaniyan, National President of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), described Sonubi as a trusted friend and a pillar of support.
Barrister Niyi Ajewole, President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), speaking on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, applauded Sonubi’s commitment to security, noting his swift response to distress calls as commendable in the entrenchment of community policing.
In his farewell remarks, Compol Ayodele Sonubi reflected on the challenges he faced throughout his 33-year career in the Nigerian Police Force. He acknowledged the impact of his demanding job on his personal and family life but expressed gratitude for ending his service on a note of joy and accomplishment.
Sonubi extended heartfelt appreciation to his wife, Mrs. Monisola Sonubi, for her unwavering support throughout his career, assuring his family of his full attention in retirement.
Among other dignitaries who graced the event were Mrs. Olubunmi Oni Mni, Head of Service of Oyo State, High Chief Kolawole, Otun Balogun of Ibadan, and other security chiefs in Oyo state.