Osun CSOs demand IGP remove CP, warn of mass protest

Osun State civil society organisations (CSOs) have issued a 72‑hour ultimatum to the Inspector‑General of Police (IGP), demanding a review of the state Police Command’s leadership and structure. The CSOs warned that, if the IGP does not act within the deadline, they will organise a mass protest across the state.

The demand was made during a press briefing in Osogbo on Tuesday by groups operating under the Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State. They reiterated calls for the redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan.

The organisations argue that Gotan’s command has failed to inspire public confidence and has not adequately addressed alleged incidents of political violence, intimidation, killings and attacks on residents.

They cited the recent killing of 14‑year‑old Ezekiel Olapade, who was murdered by hoodlums suspected of working for politicians in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area. The CSOs warned that, if the IGP does not act within the stipulated period, they will mobilise residents for street protests to demand reforms within the police structure in the state.

“We urge the Inspector‑General of Police to review the Osun State Police Command architecture within 72 hours. In the absence of this, we shall have no other option than to occupy the streets with citizens to demand the total restructuring of the Osun State Police Command,” the groups said.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the Convener of the Citizenship and Citizen Awareness Centre, Comrade Demola Yaya, said the latest demand followed an earlier peaceful protest held on 15 June 2026, during which civil society organisations called for the redeployment of the police commissioner.

Yaya alleged that recent incidents—including attacks on political actors, vandalism of political offices and the killing of the teenager in Ilobu—underscored the need for urgent intervention to improve security and restore public confidence in law enforcement.

“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. We are particularly concerned about persistent allegations surrounding the operations of certain units and officers within the command, including those accused of shielding known political thugs and obstructing impartial law enforcement,” he said.

According to him, “The objective of the campaign was not to weaken the police institution but to strengthen it by ensuring that officers with integrity, professionalism and neutrality were entrusted with maintaining law and order, especially as the state approaches another electoral cycle.”

Yaya also urged political actors and their supporters not to politicise concerns over insecurity, saying, “Attempting to dismiss or politicise legitimate concerns about killings, violence and insecurity only worsens the situation and undermines efforts toward lasting peace.”

He further called on the Osun State Governor, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to take all lawful measures necessary to protect lives and property and to engage relevant federal authorities in the interest of public safety.

Responding to the allegations, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan dismissed claims of bias in handling politically related violence in the state, describing them as untrue.

He said his conscience was clear and maintained that the command had recorded significant achievements in crime‑fighting during his one year in office.

“Let me make it clear that during my one year in office, the command under my watch has stemmed cases of serious crimes such as banditry, terrorism, cultism and other social vices,” Gotan said.