The retirement date of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is approaching, and the race to succeed him has intensified.
Egbetokun, appointed on June 19, 2023, is scheduled to retire on September 4, when he turns 60. However, a recent amendment to the Police Act has cast uncertainty on his retirement date.
The amendment, passed by the National Assembly in July 2024, allows the President to extend the IGP’s tenure beyond 35 years of service or 60 years of age.
This has led to intense lobbying among senior police officers, including Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General, and Deputy Inspectors-General.
Sources within the police indicate that if the President does not sign the amendment, Egbetokun will be required to retire as scheduled.
However, if the amendment is signed into law, the President could extend Egbetokun’s tenure. There is ongoing debate about whether the amendment should be applied retroactively to Egbetokun.
The succession battle has led to tensions within the police high command, with some officers concerned that extending Egbetokun’s tenure might impede their career progression.
The President’s decision on the amendment is keenly awaited, as it will determine the future of the police force.