Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of working with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to enforce a non-existent court order reinstating sacked local government chairpersons and councillors.
Speaking during a meeting with top diplomats led by the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, Adeleke condemned the police’s alleged involvement in what he described as an attack on democracy.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said, “It is unfortunate and a disservice to democracy that the Inspector General of Police is colluding with the APC to enforce a non-existing court order.”
He warned that Osun State was under siege by security forces who, instead of upholding the rule of law, were actively aiding illegal political maneuvers.
“You are in my state at a critical juncture in our political life. We face an existential threat to our democratic system from those who should protect it,” Adeleke told the diplomats.
The governor alleged that despite his directives for politicians to stay away from local government offices, APC members—backed by security agents—forcefully took control of the secretariats.
“But the opposition, supported by the police, went ahead to break into the local government secretariats. Security men openly backed them to enforce illegality,” he said.
Despite the crisis, Adeleke reaffirmed that local government elections would proceed as planned on Saturday, vowing to protect democracy in the state.
Adeleke urged the international community to take note of the ongoing situation in Osun, particularly the role of security agencies in undermining the democratic process.
“We call on the diplomatic community to take judicious note of the rape of democracy ongoing in Osun State. All stakeholders must abide by the rule of law. There is no room for self-help,” he stated.
Despite the political unrest, Adeleke highlighted his administration’s achievements, claiming to have reduced the state’s infrastructure deficit by 40%, cut down public debt by 40%, improved workers’ welfare, and enrolled pensioners in the state health insurance scheme.
In response, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values and the rule of law.
“Nigeria is a key partner to the UK, and we encourage all stakeholders to uphold democratic values, ensure peaceful governance, and respect legal institutions,” Baxter said.
