Egbedun accuses Osun CP of abusing office to intimidate gov’t officials
By Ismail Azeez
The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, has accused the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, of abusing his office to intimidate government officials and political actors, calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to urgently intervene in the interest of justice and democracy.
Egbedun made the allegations in a personal statement on Thursday while narrating events surrounding the invitation of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye by the police shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting held ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election.
He claimed that after members of the audience booed the police commissioner, the officer looked toward where they were seated before making several telephone calls.
According to the Speaker, the Deputy Governor and the SSG were seated together throughout the stakeholders’ meeting when the Commissioner of Police addressed participants.
“We all witnessed the unfortunate moment when Commissioner Gotan was booed while on the podium by citizens of Osun State. Immediately he returned to his seat, he looked directly towards us. At that moment, the SSG laughed.
“The next thing I observed was Commissioner Gotan picking up his telephone and making a series of calls. From what I saw, I turned to the SSG and said, ‘The Commissioner of Police has just ordered your arrest.”
“He informed me that he had been invited to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) because the police allegedly recovered ₦4 million and two voter cards belonging to members of his political party who were holding a meeting within his compound. I honestly do not understand how such an allegation justified inviting, or attempting to arrest, a public official of his standing.”
“I immediately telephoned the Commissioner and told him that I am a proud son of Onikoyi, and that I neither fear nor bow to intimidation. I made it abundantly clear that I would never abandon my state or my ancestral home because of anyone.”
“Many people have advised me to leave Osun State or vacate my residence for my own safety. However, I have consistently maintained that I will not abandon Osun for anyone. If those behind these alleged plans decide to carry them out, I remain resolute in my belief that justice will ultimately prevail and that evil will never triumph over righteousness.”
“I therefore make a sincere appeal to the Inspector-General of Police to urgently intervene and relieve the people of Osun State of what I consider the hardship and intimidation they have endured under the leadership of Commissioner Ibrahim Gotan. The people of Osun are peaceful, law-abiding citizens who deserve policing that is professional, impartial and respectful of the rule of law,” the Speaker added.