A storm of speculation surrounds the Nigeria Police Force following reports that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has removed Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade from his post as head of Zone 2 Command, Lagos. The move is widely interpreted by insiders as a calculated effort to block Fayoade’s rumored rise to the top police position.
Sources close to the Force suggest that Fayoade’s growing popularity and perceived backing from influential figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may have triggered concerns within the IGP’s circle. His leadership in Lagos—a strategic command covering Lagos and Ogun States—had reportedly positioned him as a strong contender for the role of Inspector-General.
While the Force Headquarters has yet to issue an official statement confirming the removal, reports from SaharaReporters and other media outlets allege that the decision was not based on disciplinary grounds but rather on internal political maneuvering. Fayoade’s connections to prominent APC stalwarts, including former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, are believed to have fueled speculation about his potential succession.
A senior police source, speaking anonymously, stated: “This isn’t about misconduct. It’s about influence and succession. Fayoade was gaining traction, and that made him a threat.”
The development comes amid broader calls for reform and accountability in Nigeria’s security institutions. Critics have urged the IGP to clarify the situation and ensure that merit, not politics, guides leadership transitions.