Osun LG crisis: Ogundokun calls for neutrality from security forces, preaches peace

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

An elder statesman and frontline politician, High Chief Abiola Ogundokun, has urged security authorities in Osun State to remain neutral in the ongoing Local Government crisis and to carry out their duties in the public and national interest.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ogundokun, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), condemned the violent clashes that took place in the state on Monday over who should control the Local Government following the Court of Appeal’s judgment in Akure.

Describing the violence as needless, Ogundokun expressed concern over the deaths and destruction of public property that occurred in some council areas. He urged the parties involved to stop showing bitterness and to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace and the progress of the state.

He said: “This is not the time for anyone or any group to start apportioning blame. Everyone should allow peace to reign; enough of the violent statements and attacks against one another. It is dangerous for the state to be turned into a theater of war.”

“It is regrettable and worrisome to see Osun, which is one of the most peaceful states in the country, experiencing unrest and violence to such a dangerous extent. The governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, must initiate a peace process as the father of the state.”

Ogundokun, an Iwo-born politician, further remarked that he was not a stranger to the Adeleke family, having known the late elder brother of the governor, Alhaji Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, since the early 90s.

He also expressed his familiarity with and closeness to the state’s former governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola. Ogundokun praised Oyetola’s gentleness and peaceful conduct.

Ogundokun advised that, rather than insinuating or making public accusations that Oyetola was behind the crisis caused by the court’s ruling on the 2022 council poll, Governor Adeleke should refrain from apportioning blame and instead seek peace at all costs.

He called on the security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Security (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security and paramilitary organizations, to act professionally in restoring law and order to Osun State.