Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, yesterday, advocated for decentralisation of the security architecture in the country, saying effective security starts from the local community.
Mimiko stated this at the grand finale of the 13th anniversary celebration of Gallery Security Services Limited, founded by Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube, at Agadagba-Obon, Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Dr. Mimiko spoke as chairman of the event just as the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, and a former presidential aide/chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Kingsley Kuku, all lauded Ajube’s patriotic role in the enduring peace in the Niger Delta region.
Mimiko stated that by its performance, Gallery Security had shown that if the country was serious about tackling insecurity to achieve positive result, it must decentralise its security architecture.
He said: “Some 13 years ago, Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gallery Security Services, approached me as the then sitting governor of the state and tabled his idea of starting a local security outfit that could complement the regular national security agencies in fighting crimes in our waterways and riverine communities. After a thorough review, I gave the go-ahead. So, I was part of Gallery Security Services from day one.
“Chief Ajube, the little seed you planted 13 years ago has grown to become a big Iroko. Kidnapping, sea piracy, armed robbery and many other high profile crimes have by far vanished from our riverine communities and coastal waterways. Gallery has brought calm everywhere in our waterways.
“He also orchestrated a synergy with another man, Chief Otello Mafimisebi. While he monitors the Ijaw area, Otello leads the Ilaje side. Soon, the two ethnic groups forgot their hitherto tense relationship.
“So, to a large extent, that helped to cement a new camaraderie between Ijaw and Ilaje. It contributed in no small way to the peace we enjoy today between the two ethnic groups.
“Through the establishment of Gallery Security, Ajube cracked a major security challenge in this region of Ondo, Edo, Ogun and Lagos waterways. That is why I say that the right thing to do is to decentralise the security architecture in the country.
“Call it anything you want, be it state police, vigilante, local community policing or whatever. The truth remains that every effective security arrangement starts from the local community.”
Similarly, Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr. Olaide Adelani, while commending Ajube’s contribution to the peace of the state, promised to maintain the synergy between the government and the firm.
“We very much appreciate the efforts by Chief Ajube to ensure peace and security in this part of the state through Gallery Security Services in conjunction with relevant security agencies. We remain committed to strengthening the security architecture in the state, which is to collaborate with well-meaning individuals like Ajube. We will continue to work closely with responsible partners like Gallery Security Services.”
Alaibe, in his remarks, applauded Ajube’s courage, bravery and dedication, and for sacrificing everything to restore peace and order in the state’s and Niger Delta’s waterways.
He disclosed that Ajube, known during days as a Niger Delta freedom fighter as Shoot-At-Sight, was the key player, who during his tenure as the PAP coordinator, led his boys to totally surrender arms to the federal government in Ondo State.
Also former PAP chairman, Dr. Kuku, who delivered the keynote lecture titled: “From Creeks of Niger Delta to Global Eminence,” contended that without peace, there can be no development, and that this realisation led to establishment of the security outfit by Ajube.
Kuku said: “He knew that development without security cannot endure. Recognising the persistent threats of piracy, kidnapping, and illegal activities within our waterways, he founded Gallery Security Services 13 years ago. What began as a strategic intervention has evolved into a critical partner in Nigeria’s maritime security framework.
“Gallery Security Services stands as a model of community-based security. Its work has saved lives, stabilised communities, and helped shape a more secure Niger Delta.”
Kuku, who described Ajube as a critical asset to President Bola Tinubu’s peace effort in the Niger Delta, noted the symbiotic relationship between him and another notable freedom fighter in the region, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.
“Above all, the profound history of Ajube cannot and would not be fair, complete and or true without identifying, recognising, acknowledging, appreciating and celebrating the sights and sounds of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, our beloved friend, brother and leader. Ajube is and remains a protégé of Tompolo. Today, we salute and celebrate you both as inseparable leaders whose vision and compassion continue to uplift the Niger Delta and entrench security stabilisation of our nation.”
The Gallery CEO, in his welcome speech, said the company’s 13th anniversary was historic as it signified more than just the passing of years.
“It is a celebration of courage, resilence, partnership and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our coastal and riverine communities.
“For 13 years, Gallery Security Services Limited has been at the forefront, protecting our waterways, defending vital national assets, building trust within communities and offering thousands of young people meaningful alternatives to crime. Our journey has not always been smooth but the vision that began in 2012 continues to thrive, thanks to God’s grace and the unwavering support of government, the traditional institution, and the communities we serve,” Ajube said.
Also present at the event were former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, Chief Olusola Oke SAN, royal fathers, including the Olowo of Owo and chairman, Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin as well as the Agadagba of Arogbo Kingdom, Barr. Zaccheus Egbunu among others.
Highpoints of the three-day anniversary celebration, which began on November 19, were a summit titled: “Youth in Coastal Defence Summit 2025” attended by about 1000 youths and a free medical outreach for people in the local government with over 500 beneficiaries.
The event also featured presentation of memorial awards to representatives of personnel of the company that lost their lives in the course of duty just as serving staff members were also rewarded for their loyalty, gallantry and commitment to duty.
