Osun Police, APC Tried To Stop Adeleke’s Rally – Spokesman
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, has alleged that the state Police Command did not consult the governor before issuing a statement to stop a political rally in Ijebu-Jesa on Wednesday.
Rasheed said the statement by the police, advising that the rally be cancelled, came as a surprise since Governor Adeleke, as Chief Security Officer of the state, was not briefed.
“The police did not consult Mr Governor before releasing that statement,” Rasheed said in a statement on Wednesday.
“As Chief Security Officer, the governor ought to be carried along on any security decision that affects public gatherings in the state.”
He explained that the governor only got to know about the police position through media reports, adding that Adeleke immediately reached out to the Commissioner of Police to seek clarification and to ensure the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly were protected.
“After the governor’s intervention, the police agreed that the rally could proceed under adequate security,” he said.
“What matters is that law-abiding citizens should not be denied their constitutional right.”
The spokesperson dismissed claims that the rally was disrupted by political opponents, saying security was provided and the event was held peacefully.
Rasheed also alleged the Osun All Progressives Congress of attempt to stop the programme from holding, noting that the party “failed in its anti-democratic plot to stop the event from holding.”
Addressing reports of a stage collapse, Rasheed described it as a minor setback that was quickly fixed, adding that the turnout demonstrated growing support for the governor in Ijesaland ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
