Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on security agencies to clamp down on political violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election, urging the police to arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation.
The governor made the appeal on Monday while reviewing the recent visit of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, to the state amid rising political tension.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke stressed that Osun residents expect security agencies to conduct themselves professionally and impartially before, during and after the election.
He said the fact-finding visit by the IGP, alongside an earlier visit by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South-West, Adegoke Fayoade, should provide security authorities with enough information to take decisive action against political violence.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled to hold on August 15, 2026.
“We appreciate the visit of the Inspector General of Police and that of the Deputy Inspector General a week earlier. The facts are out in the public domain. The IGP has heard and read from both parties. My only interest is to safeguard the safety of my people and protect lives and property ahead of the elections,” Adeleke said.
The governor also urged the police leadership to ensure accountability within the Osun State Police Command, insisting that law enforcement officers must remain neutral throughout the electoral process.
“We expect the IGP to hold his men at the Osun State Command accountable. The Commissioner of Police must, as a matter of necessity, avoid partisanship in both investigation and prosecution of cases of political violence. That is the only way the police can secure and regain the confidence of the people,” he stated.
Adeleke maintained that anyone involved in criminal activities should face justice without political consideration.
“We seek the arrest of any lawbreaker irrespective of political affiliation. Those who commit crimes should be arrested and prosecuted. We harbour no thugs in Government House or anywhere. The police should do their job in line with best policing practices. We are opposed to the politicisation of criminal investigations,” he added.
The governor warned that continued killings and violent attacks could undermine the credibility of the governorship election if urgent security measures are not implemented.
“Osun people want a secure environment to cast their votes. The killings and attacks are not conducive to the genuine exercise of the right to vote and be voted for. We therefore expect the IGP and other security agencies to secure Osun State and her people before, during and after the August 15 elections,” Adeleke said.
While expressing confidence in the Inspector General of Police, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies, insisting that his government seeks only fair and impartial policing.
“We seek no favour other than fair, impartial policing,” he said.
During his visit to the state, the Inspector General of Police acknowledged public concerns over the conduct of the Osun State Commissioner of Police and allegations involving criminal suspects.
“I have heard that some people are not happy with the Commissioner of Police in Osun State for one reason or another,” Disu said.
The police chief also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had informed him that some suspects wanted by the police were allegedly taking refuge within the Government House.
“He briefed me that some suspects he is looking for are hibernating in the Government House. If that is true, why should criminals be in the Government House? I have told him there are proper procedures to follow. I have also heard allegations that different political parties are harbouring criminal elements,” the IGP stated.
Governor Adeleke, however, denied the allegation, insisting that his administration does not shelter criminals.