Osun

Political Violence: Pressure Continues To Mount On Osun CP Over Alleged Partisanship

ByYusuf Oketola

PublishedJune 19, 2026

In view of the rising political violence in Osun State, the Network of Osun Civil Society Groups has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Disu, to immediately redeploy the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ibrahim Gotan, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The civil society groups, residents of the state have lost confidence in CP Gotan, noting that his replacement will serve as a reassurance of the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force ahead of the forthcoming Guber poll.

The CSOs made the call during a peaceful protest in Osogbo on Monday and contained in a statement issued by Comrade Olowu Emmanuel (Social Economic and Civic Rights Advocacy (SECRA), Comrade Wale Balogun (Mekunnu Koya Movement Realty), Comrade Demola Yaya (Citizenship and Citizen Awareness Centre (CCAC), Comrade Tobiloba Richards Agboola (Good Governance Initiative initiative (GGI) (CD), Comrade Raufu Sodiq Akinkunmi (Youths for Better Nigeria), Comrade Olanrewaju Stephen (Centre for Accountability and Democracy) and Mrs Janet Olayemi Ghadebo (Grassroots Watch).

The groups expressed concern over the worsening security situation, escalating political tension, and growing public distrust in the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force in Osun as the state approaches the Governorship Election in less than two months.

“As organisations committed to democracy, human rights, electoral integrity, accountability, peace, and the rule of law, we have carefully monitored developments across Osun State and have become increasingly alarmed by the numerous complaints, allegations, and public concerns regarding the conduct of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan.

“Our concern is not based on a single incident but on a pattern of developments that have collectively undermined public confidence in the ability of the Police Command to provide the impartial security leadership required during this sensitive electoral period.

“Between 8th and 9th May 2026, widespread destruction and vandalisation of campaign billboards were reported across several local government areas, including Irewole, Ayedaade, Ife, Irepodun, Oriade, and Osogbo. Despite the scale of these incidents and the public outcry that followed, many citizens remain concerned about the absence of visible accountability and the failure to bring those responsible to justice.

“The killing of Mr. Kolade Eluyera in Ikire on 9th May 2026 further heightened public anxiety and fears regarding political violence in the State. The incident generated widespread condemnation and renewed calls for proactive security measures to prevent a deterioration of the political atmosphere.

“Similarly, reports of attacks on the Accord Party State Secretariat, campaign offices, and the ADC State Secretariat in Osogbo, coupled with allegations of harassment and intimidation of political supporters, as well as recurring incidents of politically related violence, have continued to deepen public apprehension.

“Most recently, the shooting incidents reported in parts of Osun State on 9th June 2026, which left several persons injured, have further heightened concerns about the capacity of the state’s security architecture to guarantee public safety and electoral peace.

“The Network is particularly worried that despite repeated incidents of violence, intimidation, attacks on political actors, destruction of campaign materials, and threats to public order, citizens continue to express concerns regarding the pace, effectiveness, and transparency of investigations and law enforcement responses.

“These concerns are not limited to civil society organisations alone. Members of the National Assembly and the Osun State House of Assembly have publicly called for the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, alleging partisanship, compromise, and a failure to inspire public confidence in the neutrality of operations within the state.

“Whether these allegations are ultimately proven or not, the reality remains that public confidence in the neutrality of the Police Command has been significantly weakened. In any democracy, perception matters. Elections can only be regarded as credible when citizens have confidence that security agencies will act fairly, professionally, and without political bias.

“The Network has received numerous complaints from residents, community leaders, youth groups, political stakeholders, and concerned citizens who fear that the current atmosphere of insecurity, mistrust, and political tension may discourage voters from participating in the forthcoming governorship election.

The Network further calls on the Inspector-General of Police to urgently review the security situation in Osun State and take all necessary measures to guarantee a peaceful electoral environment.

“The Police Service Commission to examine complaints and concerns regarding policing operations in the State.

“Security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and ensure the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators of political violence, regardless of political affiliation.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), election observers, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and religious leaders to intensify voter confidence-building efforts ahead of the election.

“All political parties and their supporters reject violence, intimidation, and hate-driven politics and commit themselves to peaceful democratic engagement.

“The people of Osun State deserve a peaceful, secure, free, fair, and credible election. The preservation of democracy requires not only impartial institutions but also public confidence in those institutions.

“The ballot must prevail over the bullet. Democracy must triumph over violence, fear, intimidation, and every form of perceived institutional bias,” the statement concluded.

Recall that Governor Ademola Adeleke, has raised alarm over what he described as worsening insecurity and alleged political violence in parts of the state, accusing the Commissioner of Police of failing to cooperate with other security agencies.

The governor said the situation had become intolerable and insisted he had escalated the matter to top security authorities, including the military and police leadership.

“I am very, very sad. The Commissioner of Police in Osun State is not cooperating,” Adeleke said.

Gotan Kicks, Dismisses Calls For His Redeployment

The Commissioner of Police, while reacting to the development, stated that calls for his removal will inspire him to be better at his job.

CP Gotan described the agitation for his removal as part of the fundamental human rights of residents.

He stated this during a press conference at the Police Command headquarters, Osogbo on Monday.

“I am aware that some individuals have called for my redeployment out of Osun State. That is part of their fundamental rights. Having recorded the achievements within the period under review, my conscience is very clear on this,” he said.

Yusuf Oketola

Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.