Adeleke seeks end to political violence in Osun

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued a strong call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of political thugs perpetuating violence throughout the state, emphasizing that such recurring attacks must cease. The governor also renewed his demand for the redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, whom he accused of failing to address the escalating political violence impartially.

“

You are in this state at a time negligence and partisanship of some of your officers have worsened political violence in the state. You visit us at a time some policemen are openly known to be collaborating with political thugs to unleash violence on our people. Your official entrance comes at a time when we have recorded three unresolved political murders in the last few weeks, namely Eluyera at Ikire, Ezekiel at Ilobu and Aderogba at Esa Oke. There has been no single arrest.

Governor Adeleke made these remarks while receiving the Deputy Inspector General of Police for the ICT Department, Adegoke Fayoade, at the Government House in Osogbo. Adeleke stated that the state has witnessed three unresolved political murders in recent weeks – Eluyera in Ikire, Ezekiel in Ilobu, and Aderogba in Esa Oke – with no arrests made. He further alleged that police officers are openly collaborating with political thugs to attack citizens and destroy property, citing instances where Accord billboards were damaged and suspects were known but not apprehended.

"In Osun today, political thugs drove round the town, shooting sporadically, attacking innocent residents. They destroyed Accord billboards. Yet, the police command looks the other way," Adeleke stated, contrasting this with what he described as the police's eagerness to arrest Accord members for minor infractions. He expressed disappointment with the state police commissioner, stating, "Your state police commissioner has failed us."

“

I have listened to the message from the IGP. We wait to see the outcome of these interventions. We count on you to stop the spate of killings. Your state police commissioner has failed us.

Deputy Inspector General Fayoade assured the governor that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed relevant police authorities to ensure that acts of violence and brigandage are not tolerated. He promised that all acts of murder, brigandage, or unlawful activities would be thoroughly investigated, and culprits would be arrested and prosecuted. Fayoade expressed confidence that the upcoming Osun State elections would be conducted peacefully, drawing parallels with recent peaceful elections in Anambra and Ekiti states.

“

I want to assure you that the Osun State forthcoming elections will be conducted under a very peaceful atmosphere. We can recall the last election in Anambra; just last Saturday, the Ekiti election was conducted under a very peaceful atmosphere and we don’t w