TICCl urges IGP to reassure Osun voters of violence-free governorship poll

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Imole Campaign Council on Monday called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to reassure residents of Osun State of a violence-free governorship election on August 15 following the alleged reinstatement of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.

In a statement issued in Osogbo by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council described Gotan’s alleged reinstatement as controversial, claiming his return could undermine public confidence in the conduct of the election.

The council alleged that Gotan supervised the harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention of Accord Party leaders and members, including the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, who it said was later released and had items seized from his residence returned to him.

According to the statement, Gotan was transferred to the Force Headquarters last Thursday and replaced by CP Samuel Etaifo, but was reinstated less than 72 hours later following alleged pressure from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Etaifo assigned only to supervise election duties.

“We have it on good record that CP Samuel Etaifo was transferred to Osun State as Gotan’s replacement, but barely 72 hours later, the Inspector-General of Police reinstated CP Gotan following pressure from the APC,” the statement said.

Olajengbesi said security agencies must remain neutral and professional to guarantee a credible election, warning against the use of intimidation, arbitrary arrests and harassment of political opponents.

The campaign council urged the IGP to publicly assure Osun residents of a peaceful poll and back his assurances with actions that demonstrate the neutrality and impartiality of the police.

“We remind the IGP that the international community is watching. He must assure the people of Osun State of a violence-free poll on August 15, 2026, and ensure that the use of arrest and detention as tools of political oppression comes to an end,” the statement added.