By Adewole Kehinde
“Great leaders are willing to confront the uncomfortable and lead people through it” – John C. Maxwell
The saying that “an uneasy head wears the crown” could not be more fitting in describing the current Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, whose steady reform of the Nigeria Police Force continues to set a new benchmark for professionalism and global alignment.
While the IGP was recently engaging with global policing minds at the 2025 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference, learning and sharing strategies to modernise and professionalise Nigeria’s policing system to meet international standards, a few mischievous elements parading themselves as “activists” and “lawyers” were busy tarnishing his reputation. These individuals have gone as far as calling him names such as “illegal IGP” and “Chief Terrorist of the Federation.”
Such reckless utterances only expose their ignorance and desperation. Those who make these statements clearly do not understand the character of the man they are attempting to malign.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun is a law-abiding, disciplined, and highly principled officer who weighs every decision, no matter how small, through the lens of legality and constitutional propriety. He has never, and will never, act contrary to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The so-called “activists” who thrive on mudslinging are, metaphorically speaking, pigs looking for whom to drag into the mud. But Egbetokun’s white remains too neat, too pure, to be stained by their unscrupulous antics. In fact, the more they attempt to tarnish his image, the more the brilliance of his reforms shines through.
Today, under his leadership, the Nigeria Police Force has witnessed unprecedented structural and welfare improvements. For the first time in history, the Medical and Legal Units of the Force have been elevated to full directorates, ensuring improved service delivery and enhanced professional recognition for officers in these critical areas.
Equally remarkable is the over ₦32 billion paid out in insurance benefits to the families of fallen heroes, a clear demonstration of the IGP’s compassion and commitment to police welfare. These are not empty gestures; they are tangible, measurable results of visionary leadership.
Yet, as the IGP continues to focus on capacity building, welfare, and institutional integrity, some of these so-called “activists” prefer to organise street protests in Lagos, seeking media attention and, perhaps, foreign funding. While they chase shadows and controversy, Egbetokun remains steadfast in his mission to reform, professionalise, and reposition the Nigeria Police Force for effective service delivery in the 21st century.
No amount of smear campaign or malicious propaganda can derail this focus. The IGP’s record speaks for itself, and as the Force becomes more people-oriented and globally respected, history will remember Kayode Egbetokun as the reformer who refused to be distracted.
For those who still doubt, one thing is clear: the four years of IGP Kayode Egbetokun are sacrosanct, and his vision for a better, more accountable Police Force will stand the test of time.
Indeed, an uneasy head wears the crown, but this particular head wears it with honour, integrity, and unwavering purpose.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
