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Although the presidency said Mr Egbetokun cited family reasons for his decision to resign, sources with direct knowledge of what transpired said he was asked to resign for three main reasons.
One source said the former police boss was removed from office because of his stance on state policing, an initiative the presidency believes would positively impact national security.
“He is not in support of the creation of state policing,” the source said, adding his stance conflicts with that of the government.
Another source corroborated this, saying Mr Egbetokun “did not believe in the signatory policy of state police.”
President Tinubu has repeatedly advocated for the creation of state police. Speaking at the National Dialogue on State Policing in April 2024, Mr Tinubu said his commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force and enhancing national security was “unwavering.”
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Mr Tinubu described state policing not as just a policy idea but as a potential milestone in the evolution of the nation’s law enforcement that would allow policing to be more responsive to local needs.
At the same event, Mr Egbetokun took a position opposed to that of the president. He argued that Nigeria is not “mature” to adopt state policing. The former police boss, represented by Ben Okolo, feared that the system could be abused by state officials.
“It is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force that Nigeria is yet to mature and ready for the establishment of state-controlled police,” Mr Egbetokun said.
“There is the potential for abuse of power by the state political leadership”, Mr Egbetokun said. “State governors could use the police forces under their control for political or personal gain and undermine human rights and security.”
Mr Egbetokun’s position did not stop the president from canvassing for the creation of state police. While hosting the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mr Tinubu reiterated his position on the matter.
Even a few hours before Mr Egbetokun was removed from office, the president told governors and senior officials during an interfaith breaking of fast at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja, that his administration would create state police.
“What I promise you is not to be postponed,” Mr Tinubu was quoted as saying at the event. “We will establish state police to combat insecurity.”
Another reason given for Mr Egbetokun’s removal was a presidential directive on the withdrawal of police officers from VIPs.
President Tinubu issued the directive at a security meeting in November 2025, ordering that VIPs seeking security protection request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Sources said the president was concerned that compliance with the directive was too poor.
“The rate at which he has succeeded in withdrawing police officers from VIP is very low,” the source said.
On the third reason, a source briefed about the matter said the president removed Mr Egbetokun because of his blacklist by the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria.
“The government felt embarrassed about the situation,” the source said, adding that Mr Egbetokun was earlier advised to resolve the matter by ensuring that attacks on journalists were stopped under his watch.
