Group Alleges Police Attempted Cover-Up in Osogbo Monarch Assault Case
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
A civil society organisation, Osun Democrats for Democracy (ODD), has alleged the Osun State Police Command of attempting to downplay the reported assault on the Osogbo monarch, despite the monarch’s public confirmation that he was attacked and that a suspect had been arrested.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the group’s Director of Operations and Public Affairs, Adeyefa Adeyemo, who expressed concern over what he described as contradictory accounts surrounding the incident.
According to the group, it was troubling that while the traditional ruler had openly narrated the incident and confirmed that the alleged attacker was in police custody, the Police Command appeared to be presenting a different version of events.
“It is both surprising and disturbing that while the revered traditional ruler openly narrated the incident to the public and confirmed that the suspect was in police custody, the Police Command has chosen a contradictory path capable of creating unnecessary confusion and raising legitimate questions about its commitment to transparency and justice,” the statement said.
The group maintained that issues concerning the safety and dignity of traditional institutions should be handled with the highest level of professionalism and impartiality.
“Any attempt to create conflicting narratives where the victim has already spoken publicly only fuels suspicion of external influence and undermines the credibility of the investigative process,” ODD stated.
The organisation called on the Commissioner of Police to ensure that the ongoing investigation is conducted without bias and that anyone found culpable is made to face the full weight of the law, regardless of political affiliation, social status or influence.
“Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to have been done,” the statement added.
ODD also urged the police hierarchy to resist any form of political pressure that could compromise its constitutional responsibilities.
“The Nigeria Police Force is a national institution whose loyalty is owed to the Constitution and the Nigerian people, not to any political interest or privileged individuals seeking to manipulate the system for personal advantage,” the group said.
The organisation further stressed the importance of protecting traditional institutions, describing traditional rulers as custodians of cultural heritage, peace and communal stability.
“Any attack on a monarch is an attack on the sanctity of our traditional institution and should never be trivialised or subjected to political manipulation. The people of Osun deserve a police force that acts with fairness, integrity and unwavering commitment to the truth,” the statement noted.
ODD said it would continue to monitor developments surrounding the matter and remain steadfast in demanding accountability, transparency and the protection of democratic and traditional institutions across Osun State.
