By Jeleel Olawale
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised alarm over escalating political violence in parts of the state, urging politicians to respect the will of the people and steer clear of thuggery, unrest, and bloodshed.
His warning followed fresh killings in Ilesa, prompting a directive to the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to crack down on politically motivated attacks across Ijesaland.
Adeleke, represented by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi at Wednesday’s Osun State Security Council meeting, said the growing tension in some communities demanded urgent, decisive action from security agencies.
Adewusi relayed the governor’s commendation to service chiefs, noting that ongoing security measures would help safeguard residents. The council also encouraged citizens to cooperate with security operatives by reporting suspicious activities, stressing that public intelligence is vital to preventing attacks and criminal infiltration.
Condemning the recent Ilesa killings, Adeleke cautioned political actors against inciting violence ahead of upcoming electoral activities. “If truly our goal is to serve the people, we must focus on the ballot and the free exercise of electoral choices by our people,” he said.
He instructed the Commissioner of Police to secure affected areas immediately and stop further bloodshed, insisting that political rivalry must never escalate into violence.
Meanwhile, the state government has finalized plans to establish mobile courts headed by eight magistrates. The initiative aims to fast-track overnight criminal cases, remand hearings, and other matters contributing to detention-facility congestion.
According to spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the mobile courts are a product of collaboration between the executive and judiciary to ensure quick handling of minor and preliminary offences. The initiative originated from a letter by the governor’s legal adviser, Nurudeen Kareem, to the Osun Chief Judge.
The request highlighted the need to prevent human rights violations tied to overcrowded detention centres and to keep essential justice processes functioning despite the ongoing judicial workers’ strike.
Rasheed added that the Chief Judge has approved the proposal, clearing the way for the mobile courts to commence operations shortly.
