Groups give IGP 72 hours to review Police Command’s leadership, threaten mass protest

Perturbed by the growing wave of political violence in Osun State, the Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State has reiterated its calls for the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in Osun, Ibrahim Gotan, saying the command under his leadership has failed to inspire public confidence.

The civil society groups also gave the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) a 72-hour deadline to review the structure and leadership of the Osun State Police Command, arguing that the command has not demonstrated the neutrality expected of a security institution in a democratic society.

The groups, during a press briefing held on Tuesday in Osogbo, accused the police command of failing to address alleged cases of political violence, intimidation, killings, and attacks on innocent citizens.

They specifically referenced the recent killing of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state, by hoodlums suspected to be working for politicians.

The groups warned that if the IGP fails to act within the stipulated period, they will have no option but to mobilise citizens for a street protest to press home their demands.

They said, “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 Osun State.”

Addressing journalists, the convener of the Citizenship and Citizen Awareness Centre, Comrade Demola Yaya, said the demands followed an earlier peaceful protest held on June 15, 2026, where civil society organisations first called for the redeployment of the police commissioner.

Yaya alleged that recent incidents of violence including attacks on political actors, the vandalism of political offices, and the killing of the 14-year-old boy in Ilobu showed that the security situation in the state requires urgent intervention.

He also called for a comprehensive review and restructuring of the Osun State Police Command, stating that the move is necessary to restore public confidence in law enforcement.

He said: “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.”

“Our objective is not to weaken the police institution. On the contrary, we seek to strengthen it by ensuring that officers of proven integrity, professionalism, and neutrality are entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining law and order in Osun State, particularly as the state approaches another critical electoral cycle.”

“We also caution political actors, their supporters, and sponsored groups against trivialising the genuine security concerns of Osun citizens. Attempting to dismiss or politicise legitimate concerns about killings, violence, and insecurity only worsens the situation and undermines efforts toward lasting peace.”

“Furthermore, we call on the Governor of Osun State, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to take all necessary lawful steps to safeguard lives and property and to engage relevant federal authorities where necessary in the interest of public safety.”

“Together, we must ensure that no individual, group, or political interest is placed above the law. Together, we can build an Osun State where justice prevails, democratic values flourish, and security agencies operate with professionalism, fairness, and integrity.”