By Monsurat Abisoye
Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Osun State have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Inspector-General of Police to review the structure and leadership of the state Police Command, warning that failure to comply could trigger mass protests across the state.
The groups, under the Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State, made the demand during a press briefing in Osogbo on Tuesday. They reiterated calls for the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, alleging that his leadership had failed to inspire public confidence.
The organisations accused the command of inadequate response to alleged cases of political violence, intimidation, killings and attacks on residents. They cited the killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade by suspected political thugs in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, as a key example of rising insecurity.
They warned that if the Inspector-General fails to act within the 72-hour deadline, they would mobilise residents for street protests demanding a complete restructuring of the state Police Command.
Speaking through the Convener of the Citizenship and Citizen Awareness Centre, Comrade Demola Yaya, the coalition recalled a peaceful protest held on 15 June 2026, where similar demands for the commissioner’s redeployment were made. He said recent incidents, including political attacks, vandalism of party offices, and the killing of the teenager, showed urgent need for intervention to restore public trust in law enforcement.
Yaya also called for a review of officers accused of shielding political thugs and obstructing impartial policing, stressing that the campaign was aimed at strengthening the police through improved professionalism, integrity and neutrality ahead of the next electoral cycle. He urged political actors not to politicise insecurity concerns, warning that doing so would worsen tensions and hinder peace efforts.
He further urged the Osun State Governor, as Chief Security Officer, to take lawful steps to safeguard lives and engage federal authorities on the matter.
Responding, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan dismissed the allegations of bias, insisting they were unfounded. He said his conscience remained clear and noted that the command had made significant progress in tackling banditry, terrorism, cultism and other crimes during his one year in office.
