Osun Lawmakers Demand Redeployment of CP, Allege Partisanship Ahead of Governorship Poll

Members of the National Assembly and the Osun State House of Assembly on Friday called for the immediate redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Gotan, accusing him of partisanship and failure to effectively safeguard lives and property in the state.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, who spoke on behalf of seven National Assembly members and 25 state lawmakers, alleged that the state police command had become a willing accomplice in what he described as attempts to undermine democratic institutions in Osun State.

The lawmakers expressed concern over the police’s handling of recent security incidents, including reported attacks and shootings allegedly carried out in broad daylight.

According to Egbedun, despite the availability of video evidence and identifiable vehicles linked to the incidents, no arrests had been made several days after the attacks.

“The apparent inability of the police to identify, apprehend and prosecute perpetrators has emboldened criminal elements and heightened fears among residents over the security of lives and property,” he said.

The Speaker further alleged that since assuming office on May 11, 2025, the Commissioner of Police had attended only a few meetings of the State Security Council, often delegating representatives junior in rank to other security chiefs.

He also accused the police commissioner of frustrating the activities of the Amotekun Corps and failing to act against individuals allegedly responsible for vandalising hundreds of Accord Party campaign billboards across the state.

“Rather than ensuring a level playing field, the commissioner appears more interested in restricting legitimate political activities of our party members,” Egbedun stated.

The lawmakers maintained that the conduct of the police commissioner had raised serious questions about his neutrality, especially as political activities intensify ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

Consequently, they called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, to immediately redeploy Mr. Gotan from Osun State.

“On account of these developments, we urge the Inspector-General of Police to redeploy the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Gotan, whom we consider partisan, compromised and incapable of providing the impartial security leadership required at this critical period,” Egbedun added.

As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Police Command had not issued an official response to the allegations.

This version follows the typical Vanguard newspaper style: concise headline, strong lead, balanced reporting, and attribution of allegations.