Osun CSOs Give IGP 72-Hour Ultimatum, Demand Review of Police Command Leadership
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Civil society organisations in Osun State have renewed their call for the redeployment of the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, expressing concerns over what they described as declining public confidence in the leadership of the command.
The groups also issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to review the leadership and operational structure of the Osun State Police Command, insisting that the command must demonstrate impartiality and professionalism in handling security matters.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Tuesday, the coalition accused the police command of failing to effectively address cases of political violence, intimidation, attacks and killings across the state.
The groups cited the recent killing of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, among incidents they said highlighted the worsening security situation in the state.
They warned that failure by the police authorities to act within the stipulated period could trigger a peaceful mass protest by concerned citizens.
“We urge the Inspector-General of Police to review the Osun State Police Command architecture within the next 72 hours. If no action is taken, we will be left with no option but to mobilise citizens and take to the streets in demand for a total restructuring of the command,” the coalition said.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, Convener of the Citizenship and Citizen Awareness Centre, Comrade Demola Yaya, said the latest demand followed an earlier peaceful protest held on June 15, during which civil society organisations called for the redeployment of the commissioner of police.
According to him, recent attacks on political actors, destruction of political offices and the killing of the teenager in Ilobu underscore the need for urgent intervention by security authorities.
Yaya called for a comprehensive review of the command, saying such a move would help restore public trust in law enforcement.
“We reiterate our demand for the redeployment of CP Ibrahim Gotan and a thorough review of the conduct of officers whose actions have generated widespread public distrust,” he said.
“We are particularly concerned about persistent allegations surrounding the activities of certain units and officers within the command, including claims that some have shielded political thugs and hindered impartial law enforcement.”
He maintained that the coalition’s position was aimed at strengthening, rather than undermining, the police institution.
“Our objective is not to weaken the police institution. Rather, we seek to strengthen it by ensuring that officers with proven integrity, professionalism and neutrality are entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining law and order in Osun State, especially as the state approaches another crucial electoral cycle,” Yaya stated.
He also urged political stakeholders to refrain from downplaying security concerns raised by residents.
“We caution political actors, their supporters and affiliated groups against trivialising the genuine concerns of Osun citizens. Attempts to politicise or dismiss issues relating to killings, violence and insecurity only worsen the situation and undermine efforts to achieve lasting peace,” he said.
The civil society leader further called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to take all lawful measures necessary to protect lives and property across the state.
“As the Chief Security Officer of the state, the governor should continue to engage relevant authorities and take every necessary lawful step to ensure the safety of residents and their property,” he added.
Yaya stressed the need for collective commitment to justice, peace and the rule of law.
“No individual, group or political interest should be placed above the law. We must work together to build an Osun State where justice prevails, democratic values thrive, and security agencies operate with fairness, professionalism and integrity,” he said.