Osun Political Violence: Civil Society Groups Demand CP Gotan’s Redeployment, Threaten Mass Action

The Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State has threatened to mobilise citizens for a mass protest if the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) fails to review the leadership and structure of the Osun State Police Command within 72 hours.

The group, which renewed its demand for the redeployment of Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, said the move became necessary over what it described as growing political violence, insecurity, and declining public confidence in the police command.

Speaking during a press briefing in Osogbo on Tuesday, the convener of the Citizenship and Citizen Awareness Centre, Comrade Demola Yaya, said the demand followed an earlier peaceful protest held on June 15, 2026, where civil society groups called for changes in the command’s leadership.

Yaya accused the police command of failing to demonstrate the neutrality expected of a security institution, alleging that recent incidents of violence, attacks on political actors, vandalism of political offices, and the killing of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, showed the need for urgent intervention.

The group called on the IGP to carry out a comprehensive review and restructuring of the Osun State Police Command, insisting that public trust could only be restored when officers operate above political interests and strictly adhere to the rule of law.

“We reiterate our demand for the redeployment of CP Ibrahim Gotan and a thorough review of the conduct of officers whose actions have generated widespread public distrust,” Yaya said.

He added that the objective was not to weaken the police institution but to strengthen it by ensuring that officers with integrity, professionalism, and neutrality are responsible for maintaining law and order in the state.

The group also urged political actors and their supporters to avoid actions capable of worsening tension, while calling on Governor Ademola Adeleke, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to take necessary steps to protect lives and property.

It warned that failure to address the concerns within the 72-hour timeframe would leave it with no option but to “occupy the streets with citizens” to demand a total restructuring of the Osun State Police Command.