Osun Governor Warns Against Political Violence

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued a stern warning against the escalating political violence witnessed in parts of the state, particularly condemning recent killings in Ilesa. The Governor strongly appealed to politicians to respect the will of the people and completely avoid thuggery and bloodshed.

The Governor’s warning and directives came as he presided over the Osun State Security Council meeting on Wednesday, where he was represented by his Deputy, Kola Adewusi.

Adeleke directed the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to immediately clamp down on all reported political attacks across the Ijeshaland area.

He stressed that the growing tension and disturbances in some communities require urgent and decisive action from all security agencies operating within the state.

Deputy Governor Adewusi, who presided over the session, conveyed the Governor’s commendation to the service chiefs, expressing confidence that the security plans currently being implemented would successfully strengthen the safety and security of all Osun residents.

The Security Council also urged residents to enhance their cooperation with law enforcement agencies. They appealed for the timely provision of useful information and the immediate reporting of any suspicious movements within their communities.

The council emphasized that “public intelligence remains key to preventing attacks and criminal infiltration.”

Governor Adeleke specifically condemned the killings in Ilesa, warning political actors to desist from stoking violence in anticipation of future electoral activities.

“If truly our goal is to serve the people, we must focus on the ballot and the free exercise of electoral choices by our people,” the Governor stated, calling for a return to civilized political competition.

He ordered the Commissioner of Police to immediately secure the affected areas and halt further killings, stressing that political disagreements must not be allowed to degenerate into bloodshed.

In a related development, the state government has concluded arrangements to establish mobile courts across Osun State. This initiative is designed to be headed by eight magistrates.

According to Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, the courts are intended to address overnight criminal cases, streamline remand proceedings, and handle other matters contributing to congestion in detention facilities.

The mobile courts will function through a partnership between the executive and the judiciary to ensure the timely handling of minor and preliminary offenses. The plan was initiated through a formal letter from the Governor’s legal adviser, Nurudeen Kareem, to the Chief Judge of Osun State.

The request emphasized the need to avert human rights violations and mitigate the security threats associated with overcrowded detention cells. It also sought to ensure that basic criminal justice procedures continue, despite the ongoing industrial strike by judicial workers.

Governor Adeleke stated that his intervention was necessary to maintain order and uphold the rule of law while the government works diligently to resolve the industrial dispute affecting the judicial sector. The Chief Judge has reportedly acted positively on the proposal, paving the way for the mobile courts to begin operation as quickly as possible.