Gov Adeleke urges IGP
The political atmosphere in Osun State has taken a tense turn as Governor Ademola Adeleke officially called upon the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene in the activities of the Osun State Police Command.
At the heart of the petition is an allegation of “partisan conduct” and the “unlawful detention” of state officials by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Ibrahim Gotan. This development has sparked concerns regarding the neutrality of law enforcement agencies in the state as the political landscape heats up.
The Spark: The Detention of Abiodun Adegoke Apesin
The immediate catalyst for the Governor’s outcry is the arrest and continued detention of one of his aides, Abiodun Adegoke Apesin. According to a statement released by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Apesin was taken into custody following a defamation petition linked to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji.
Governor Adeleke has described the situation as a blatant violation of fundamental human rights. The Governor noted that Apesin had been held for over five days without being charged to court—a duration that exceeds the legal limits for detention without trial for a non-capital offense.
”Unacceptable Partisan Conduct”
Governor Adeleke did not mince words in his assessment of the current leadership at the Osun State Police Command. He alleged that since CP Ibrahim Gotan took office, there has been a noticeable decline in the professionalism and impartiality of the police.
“Police now detain for as long as they want without granting bail or charging suspects to court,” the Governor stated. He further revealed that bail had been denied for Apesin on two separate occasions, despite the provision of senior civil servants as sureties and full compliance with police conditions.
The Governor expressed worry that the police are being used as a tool for political vendetta, specifically referencing the previous arrest of another aide, Iyiola Monsuru, under similar circumstances where no formal invitation was extended before the arrest.
The Demand for IGP Intervention
In his message to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Adeleke emphasized that for peace and security to be maintained in Osun State, the police must remain non-partisan. He urged the IGP to:
- Direct the immediate release of Abiodun Adegoke Apesin.
- Ensure that the Osun CP upholds the rule of law rather than serving the interests of any political party.
- Halt the harassment of media aides and state officials who are operating within the bounds of the law.
The Police Command Reacts
In response to these heavy allegations, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Osun State Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, offered a different perspective.
Defending the Commissioner of Police, Ojelabi stated that the command had concluded its investigation into the allegations against Apesin. He clarified that the police intend to file formal charges at the Federal High Court in Osogbo.
Addressing the issue of bail, the PPRO claimed that Apesin would be admitted to bail as soon as his sureties arrived at the station, effectively denying that there was any deliberate attempt to unlawfully prolong his stay in custody.
Why This Matters for Osun State
This clash between the executive arm of the state government and the police command highlights the delicate balance of power in Nigerian politics. When a sitting Governor accuses a CP of being “partisan,” it raises red flags regarding the safety of political dissidents and the fairness of the upcoming electoral cycles.
For the citizens of Osun, the primary concern remains the maintenance of law and order. A police force that is perceived to be taking sides can erode public trust and lead to unnecessary civil unrest.
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