Political tensions in Osun deepened after Governor Ademola Adeleke accused the state’s Commissioner of Police of bias during a meeting with Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu.
However, the IGP insisted that anyone involved in political violence, regardless of political affiliation, would be arrested and prosecuted.
The exchange came as the Nigeria Police Force intensified efforts to restore peace ahead of political activities in Osun State. Moreover, the meeting highlighted growing concerns over security, fairness, and public confidence in law enforcement.
While Governor Adeleke praised the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the IGP, he also accused the state’s police commissioner of acting in a partisan manner. Furthermore, he urged the police leadership to ensure justice without political bias as tensions continue across several communities.
The governor briefed the IGP on recent attacks and alleged that the Commissioner of Police had become “a tool of APC propaganda.” He maintained that security agencies must remain neutral while carrying out their constitutional duties.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General Tunji Disu assured the governor that the police would not tolerate violence from any individual or political group.
According to him, clear directives have already been issued to arrest political thugs and anyone sponsoring unrest across the state.
He said, “This is an election, not a war.”
Furthermore, he disclosed that the police had received several complaints and counter-allegations from different political interests. Therefore, he directed officers to investigate every case without fear or favour.
The IGP also appealed to parents and community leaders to discourage young people from participating in political violence. In addition, he promised that every reported case would be handled professionally and within the law.
Responding, Governor Adeleke insisted that anyone found guilty should face justice immediately, even if the person belongs to his family or political party.
He declared, “We don’t support or harbour violence.”
The governor described the intervention by the President and the IGP as timely, saying it prevented a possible breakdown of law and order.
He added, “We deeply appreciate the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police. The intervention saved Osun from bloodshed. We have insurgents and bandits to battle; we should not dissipate energy on fighting ourselves.”
Moreover, Adeleke warned that Nigeria’s democratic image could be damaged if violence continued during elections.
He said, “We should be careful about our electoral process. The international community is watching Osun and Nigeria. We cannot afford to project chaos and conflict. People need a free and fair atmosphere for credible elections. Voting is not war.”
The governor also raised concerns about alleged partisanship within some police formations operating in the state. According to him, some specialised police units have lost public confidence because of perceived political interference.
He urged the IGP to review the operations of the anti-cultism and anti-violent crime units operating in Osun.
Adeleke stated, “Specifically, I task our dear IGP to reorganise the police anti-cultism team. The partisanship of the officer in charge is widely known to the public.”
He further added, “I ask that you dismantle and reorganise the police anti-violent crime team. The team is partnering with the court-sacked council chairmen. This is a dent on the police image.”
The governor also expressed concern over unresolved murder cases and repeated gun attacks across parts of the state.
According to him, armed political groups continue to move freely while illegal firearms remain in circulation. Consequently, he urged security agencies to act quickly before the situation worsens.
He said, “I demand genuine commitment and non-partisan roles for the commissioner of police. A compromised commissioner of police can be moved out.”
Furthermore, he appealed for equal treatment under the law.
He concluded, “We seek no favour other than equitable policing. Osun demands free and fair elections. We again commend the IGP and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We know neither you nor the President is aware of the political crimes being committed here in Osun.”
The latest developments have placed Osun political violence under renewed national attention.
