Coalition raises concern over rising political tension in Osun
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
Concerned about rising political tension ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, a coalition of civil society and student organisations on Monday staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo, urging political actors to shun violence and support security agencies in maintaining peace in the state.
The coalition, under the Osun Youth and Students’ Coalition Network (OYSCN), made its position known during the protest, as members marched through major parts of Osogbo, including Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, MDS Road, Olaiya Junction and Oke-Baale Roundabout, calling for an end to political violence.
The group called on security agencies to intensify efforts in investigating and prosecuting those responsible for recent incidents of violence, insisting that justice must be served irrespective of political affiliation.
Addressing journalists during the protest, the spokesperson for the coalition and Executive Director of the World Institute for Peace (WIP), Mr. Lamina Omotoyosi, urged the state government to provide greater support for security agencies in the fight against kidnapping, cultism and political thuggery.
Omotoyosi also called for stronger logistics support for security operations, including the deployment of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) purchased by the previous administration, as well as additional patrol vehicles, motorcycles and other equipment to improve crime prevention and response across the state.
He commended the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, for what he described as professional leadership and commitment to combating crime in the state despite mounting political pressure.
The protesters urged the police commissioner to strengthen community policing by holding regular security meetings with traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders across the state.
The coalition also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to ensure thorough investigations into alleged criminal activities linked to political actors, insisting that all suspected perpetrators of political violence and unresolved criminal cases in Osun State must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
