Osun CSOs give IGP ultimatum to remove CP, threaten mass protest

Civil society organisations, CSOs, in Osun State have given the Inspector-General of Police a 72-hour ultimatum to review the leadership and structure of the state Police Command, warning that failure to act could trigger a mass protest across the state.

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

Alleging that the command under Gotan’s leadership had failed to inspire public confidence, the organisations accused the police command of not adequately addressing alleged incidents of political violence, intimidation, killings and attacks on residents.

Citing the recent killing of Ezekiel Olapade, a 14-year-old boy by hoodlums suspected to be working for politicians, in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, they warned that if the Inspector-General failed to act within the stipulated period, they would mobilise residents for street protests to press home their demand for 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 stated.

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 June 15, 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.

Osun CSOs give IGP ultimatum to remove CP, threaten mass protest