Awotunde Cautions Police Over Ikirun Chieftaincy Matter
CHAIRMAN of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) loyal to Governor Ademola Adeleke in Osun State, Otunba Sarafadeen Awotunde has cautioned the state Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Commissioner of Police and the Ikirun Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force over reported attempts to intimidate elders and community leaders in Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state in connection with the ongoing chieftaincy matter in the town.
It was gathered that some elements in the town are not pleased with the resolve to permanently end the lingering kingship crisis in the town,
These elements, Awotunde alleged that rather than embracing peace, have reportedly resorted to harassment and intimidation of respected elders of Ikirun and leaders of the National IkirunProgressives Union (NIPU) who supported the Governor’s lawful executive intervention that restored calm to the community.
Otunba Awotunde stated that he has it on good authority that “these disgruntled elements have enlisted the support of security agencies, including the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, and the Ikirun Area Commander, to harass and destabilize the Akinrun-in-Council led by the Chief Eesa, Alhaji AbdulKareem Adetoyese Lawal, as well as other innocent leaders and highly respected elders of Ikirun.”
The ALGON Chairman emphasized that the Ikirun Chieftaincy matter squarely falls within the constitutional and executive powers of the Governor of Osun State.
He recalled that “it was Governor Adeleke who ordered the closure of the palace in the interest of peace and it was the same Governor who later approved the reopening of the palace strictly for clearing and renovation purposes, also in the interest of sustained peace. “
“Therefore, the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police and the Ikirun Area Commander should remain professional, neutral and be guided strictly by the rule of law and not allow themselves to be used by politicians or political groups hiding under the cover of security operations to destabilize Ikirunonce again.
“The peace currently enjoyed in Ikirun must not be sacrificed on the altar of political desperation. Any attempt to intimidate traditional institutions, elders, or peace-loving leaders of the community will be strongly resisted within the confines of the law,” Awotunde added.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
