Opinion: CP Ibrahim Gotan – A Commissioner of Police or an APC Member in Police Uniform?
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
There are moments in the life of every democracy when the conduct of those entrusted with enforcing the law comes under intense public scrutiny. Osun State appears to be at such a moment. As political violence, allegations of intimidation, and growing insecurity continue to dominate public discourse, many residents are asking whether the Nigeria Police Force in the state is still discharging its constitutional responsibility with neutrality and professionalism.
In the opinion of many observers and critics, the conduct of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, has done little to inspire public confidence. To them, he has failed in the constitutional responsibility placed upon him as the chief law enforcement officer in the state. More troubling is the perception among many that he has become, in their words, “a card carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in police uniform.” While this remains an opinion expressed by his critics, it reflects the depth of public distrust that has grown around his administration of policing in Osun.
For those who hold this view, the consequences have been enormous. They argue that the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force has suffered, confidence in the institution has been weakened, and many law abiding residents now question whether justice is administered without political bias. In a democracy, no police commissioner should allow such a perception to thrive, because public confidence is one of the strongest weapons available to any security institution.
The events unfolding in Osun today did not occur in isolation. Long before the recent wave of violence, there were warnings that many people believe should have been taken more seriously.
One of those warnings came from former PDP stalwart and now APC chieftain, Alhaji Shuaibu Oyedokun, during a live Yoruba political programme, Oro Oselu, aired on Rave FM, Osogbo, on Monday, May 20, 2024.
During the programme, Oyedokun reportedly advised Governor Ademola Adeleke not to seek a second term if he did not want “an act of murder to be carried out and be hung on the Governor.” Those remarks generated controversy at the time, with many describing them as reckless, politically inflammatory and capable of inciting violence.
Today, in light of the recurring reports of political violence across Osun State, many believe those comments deserve renewed attention. What was once dismissed by some as political rhetoric is now viewed by others as a statement that security agencies should revisit.
This is why there is an urgent call on the Inspector General of Police and other critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s security sector to invite Alhaji Shuaibu Oyedokun for questioning. Such an invitation should not be seen as political persecution but as an opportunity to clarify the intent behind remarks that many citizens believe could have implications for public peace. In a constitutional democracy, every statement capable of threatening public order deserves careful scrutiny, irrespective of who made it.
Critics argue that Oyedokun’s comments reflected what they describe as desperation within the Osun APC, the political party he later joined. Whether that interpretation is correct is for investigators to determine, but the responsibility of security agencies is to investigate every credible allegation without fear or favour.
Unfortunately, while these questions remain unanswered, disturbing reports of political violence continue to emerge from different parts of the state.
One of the most alarming incidents reportedly occurred in the Okesa area of Ilesa. According to eyewitness accounts and a video currently circulating on social media, unidentified armed men allegedly arrived in a Sienna bus branded with the images of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), and the logo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The vehicle is also alleged to belong to an APC leader in Atakunmosa East popularly known as Kujenbola.
Eyewitnesses claimed that the armed men fired sporadically into the area, throwing residents into panic. Amid the confusion, Mr. Kasumu Simiyu, the Accord Party Ward 07 Treasurer in Ilesa East, was reportedly whisked away by the attackers.
These allegations are extremely serious. If confirmed through independent investigations by security agencies, they would represent a direct assault on democratic values, the rule of law, and the constitutional rights of citizens.
Sadly, this incident is only one among several reports of shootings, killings and politically related violence that have allegedly occurred in different communities across Osun State. Families have buried loved ones. Communities have been traumatised. Businesses have been disrupted. Innocent residents now live under the constant fear that political disagreements may erupt into violence at any moment.
Against this backdrop, critics insist that the silence or what they perceive as inadequate action by the police leadership in Osun has only deepened public suspicion. They argue that CP Ibrahim Gotan has failed to demonstrate the firmness, neutrality and urgency expected of the office he occupies.
Adding to the growing controversy were comments reportedly made some weeks ago by the member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Hon. Wole Oke.
According to reports, the lawmaker warned residents that refusing to support the APC or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would come with consequences. His reported Yoruba statement:
“Ibi ti President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wa ni awa wa. Ẹni tó bá ń ṣe nkan míràn lẹ́yìn ìyẹn, nkan tó bá rí, kò fara mọ́ ọ.”
has been interpreted by many as a political threat.
Whether those remarks have been misunderstood or taken out of context is a matter requiring clarification. However, public office holders must understand that words spoken from positions of authority carry enormous weight. In politically charged environments, every statement capable of encouraging fear or violence should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
The responsibility now lies squarely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and every other relevant security agency.
The allegations surrounding the recent violence in Osun cannot simply be ignored. Every reported incident must be independently investigated. Every suspect, regardless of political affiliation or social status, should be made to answer before the law. Justice loses its meaning when investigations become selective or when the law appears to favour one political interest over another.
Ultimately, the Nigeria Police Force exists to protect Nigerians not political parties. A Commissioner of Police must never create the impression, rightly or wrongly, that he is serving partisan interests ahead of the Constitution. The uniform of the Nigeria Police represents neutrality, professionalism and justice. The moment citizens begin to see that uniform as the symbol of a political party rather than the rule of law, democracy itself is endangered.
Osun deserves peace. Its people deserve security. They deserve a police force that acts without fear or favour. Above all, they deserve justice that is blind to political affiliation and faithful only to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The questions before the authorities are therefore simple but profound: Will these allegations receive the impartial investigation they deserve? Will those responsible, whoever they may be, be held accountable? And will the Nigeria Police Force restore the confidence of the people by demonstrating that no one is above the law?
Until those questions are answered convincingly, the concerns surrounding policing and political violence in Osun State will remain impossible to ignore.
If the Osun state Police command Under the Leadership of CP Ibrahim Gotan, choose to partisan and compromise, They should give Others Security Agencies chances to play a level ground.