By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate arrest of all persons allegedly involved in the killing of Mr. Ajagungbade Emir, a supporter of the Accord Party, reportedly over a leadership tussle at one of the motor parks in the state.
The governor, who expressed concern over the development, directed the Commissioner of Police in Osun State to immediately investigate the incident, arrest the suspects and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Adeleke also ordered rival and warring groups to immediately vacate motor parks across the state, directing security agencies to restore normalcy and ensure the maintenance of law and order in affected parks and garages.
The governor’s response followed the reported killing of Ajagungbade, which allegedly stemmed from a dispute over the leadership and control of a motor park.
Condemning the incident, Adeleke warned that his administration would not tolerate the use of violence to settle disputes, particularly conflicts relating to motor park leadership and control.
He said disagreements within the transport sector must be resolved through lawful and institutional channels rather than through violence, intimidation or confrontation.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor said his administration would take decisive measures to prevent further bloodshed and restore sanity to motor parks and garages across the state.
Adeleke specifically charged the Commissioner of Police to act immediately on the matter and ensure that all those connected with the killing are brought to justice.
“Law and order must be maintained. There will be no sacred cows as all culprits will be brought to book,” the governor declared.
The governor further directed security agencies to move into affected motor parks and other identified areas where tensions may have arisen, with a mandate to prevent further clashes and protect lives and property.
He appealed to residents of the state, particularly those living around affected communities and motor parks, to remain calm and avoid any action capable of escalating the situation.
“We call on members of the public to remain calm. We will ensure restoration of peace in all the affected parks and areas.
The security agencies are under instruction to ensure the sustainability of peace at all cost,” Adeleke said.
Adeleke Reintroduces Park Management System
As part of the government’s response to the crisis, Adeleke announced the reintroduction of the Park Management System in Osun State.
The governor said the decision was aimed at restoring discipline, orderliness and effective administration to motor parks and garages across the state.
He disclosed that he would soon issue an Executive Order to provide the legal and administrative framework for the implementation of the new park management arrangement.
“We are reintroducing the Park Management System. I will soon issue an executive order to give effect to the new management system to manage parks and garages across the state,” the governor stated.
The reintroduction of the system is expected to provide a more coordinated framework for the administration of motor parks and garages while reducing conflicts associated with competing claims over the control and leadership of parks.
Adeleke said government would not permit any individual or group to take the law into its own hands under the guise of union activities or disputes over motor park leadership.
He maintained that the protection of lives and property remained a primary responsibility of government, stressing that security agencies must ensure that residents and commuters can go about their legitimate activities without fear.
The governor also directed the police and other security agencies to intensify surveillance around motor parks and other potential flashpoints across the state to prevent a recurrence of violence.
He said the government would continue to take all necessary steps to sustain peace and stability in the state, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist in the investigation of the killing and prevent further acts of violence.
Adeleke warned that anyone found to have participated in the killing of Ajagungbade would face the full weight of the law, irrespective of political affiliation, social status or connection.
He reiterated that there would be no sacred cows in the administration’s determination to maintain law and order and protect the people of Osun State
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The governor’s latest directive has also brought renewed attention to the management and administration of motor parks across the state, with the government signalling its intention to establish a more structured system for the operation of parks and garages.
The administration maintained that the immediate priority was to restore peace in affected areas, protect lives and property, apprehend those responsible for the killing and prevent further escalation of the dispute.
