Osun Political Violence: CSOs Threaten Mass Protest, Give IGP 72-Hours To Overhaul Osun Command

The Network of Civil Society groups in Osun State have threatened a mass street protest if the Inspector-General of Police fails to review the structure and leadership of the Osun State Police Command within 72 hours.

The group issued the ultimatum on Tuesday during a press briefing in Osogbo, citing the command’s alleged failure to curb the growing wave of political violence and killings in the state.

The groups demanded the immediate redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, arguing that the command under his leadership “has failed to inspire public confidence” and has not shown the neutrality expected of a security institution in a democratic society.

Addressing journalists, the convener of the Citizenship and Citizen Awareness Centre, Comrade Demola Yaya, said the 72-hour deadline follows an earlier peaceful protest held on June 15, 2026, where CSOs first called for the CP’s redeployment.

“The inspector general of police must review the Osun State Police Command architecture within 72 hours. In the absence of this, we shall have no other option than to occupy the streets with citizens to demand the total restructuring of the command,” Yaya declared.

The CSOs accused the police of failing to address cases of political violence, intimidation and attacks on citizens.

They referenced the recent killing of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, by hoodlums suspected to be working for politicians.

Yaya alleged that recent incidents, including attacks on political actors, vandalism of political offices, and the Ilobu killing, show that urgent intervention is needed to restore security in the state.

“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 operations of certain units and officers within the command, including those accused of shielding known political thugs and obstructing impartial law enforcement.”

The CSOs stressed that their objective was not to weaken the police institution, but to strengthen it ahead of another critical electoral cycle.

They called for officers of proven integrity, professionalism and neutrality to be entrusted with maintaining law and order in Osun.

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The groups also cautioned political actors and their supporters against trivialising security concerns.

“Attempting to dismiss or politicise legitimate concerns about killings, violence and insecurity only worsens the situation and undermines efforts toward lasting peace,” Yaya warned.

He further called on Governor Ademola Adeleke, as Chief Security Officer of the state, to take all necessary lawful steps to safeguard lives and property and to engage relevant federal authorities where necessary.

“Together, we must ensure that no individual, group or political interest is placed above the law. Together, we can build an Osun State where justice prevails, democratic values flourish, and security agencies operate with professionalism, fairness and integrity,” he added.

Efforts to get the reaction of the command proved abortive as at the time of filing this report.