Osun police warn against forceful takeover of council secretariats

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Osun State Police Command has warned political parties and their supporters against taking the law into their own hands following the recent Federal High Court judgment on the lingering local government leadership dispute in the state.

The command specifically cautioned against any attempt to forcefully occupy local government secretariats, insisting that the enforcement of court judgments must follow established legal procedures.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, the command said it was closely monitoring developments arising from the judgment, as well as the conduct and public statements of all parties involved in the dispute.

The police stressed that the rule of law remains the cornerstone of the nation’s democratic system and urged aggrieved parties to seek redress through lawful and judicial means rather than resorting to self-help.

The command called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), their supporters and residents of the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding and refrain from acts capable of threatening public peace.

The police also disclosed that security operatives had been placed on heightened alert across the state to maintain law and order and prevent any breakdown of peace.

“The command will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individual or group that attempts to disrupt the peace or violate the law. All parties concerned have been duly advised,” the statement added.

The command reassured residents of its commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property, maintaining public order and guaranteeing that all issues arising from the local government dispute are handled in accordance with the law.