By John Dike, Osogbo
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tunji Disu, has ordered his officers and men to end immediately the wave of political violence and killings in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Also, he ordered that all cases of murder, political violence, and other criminal acts must be thoroughly investigated, with anyone found culpable arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He gave the order on Friday through , the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South-West, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, during a closed-door meeting with Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Government House in Osogbo.
Disu directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 11 and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to ensure that no further acts of political violence occur in the state.
The DIG, after the meeting, said his boss deployed him to the state specifically to assess the security situation, investigate recent incidents of violence, and ensure adequate policing ahead of the governorship election.
His words, “The Commissioner of Police and his men have been instructed that never again should any act of brigandage take place in this state.”
The DIG assured residents that the police would provide a peaceful environment for the forthcoming governorship election, citing the peaceful conduct of recent elections in Anambra and Ekiti states as standards the Force intends to replicate in Osun.
He also disclosed that police authorities had reviewed their security strategy in the state and had directed officers to remain professional, uphold the rule of law, and prevent criminal elements from disrupting public peace and economic activities.
Fayoade said he had also met with the Ataoja of Osogbo to reassure traditional leaders of the police commitment to restoring confidence and maintaining security across the state.
Responding, Governor Adeleke welcomed the intervention of the IGP but insisted that ending political violence must be accompanied by the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for recent killings.
The governor alleged that some police officers in the state were collaborating with political thugs, claiming that such actions had contributed to worsening insecurity.
He cited the killings of individuals identified as Eluyera in Ikire, Ezekiel in Ilobu, and Aderogba in Esa-Oke, alleging that no arrests had been made despite the incidents.
Adeleke also accused the Osun State Police Command of selective law enforcement, alleging that members of the Accord Party had been arrested while suspects linked to violent attacks and murders remained at large.
The governor expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police but called for impartial policing and respect for the rule of law.
He further urged the police leadership to reshuffle the Osun State Police Command, alleging that the current Commissioner of Police had failed to act fairly and had lost public confidence.
“We are not asking for any favour other than fair protection of lives and property. Osun people want free and fair polls in a peaceful atmosphere,” Adeleke said.
The meeting comes amid heightened political tension and growing concerns over security in Osun State as preparations intensify for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
