A dramatic exchange unfolded at the Osun State Government House on Thursday as Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, disclosed that he had received complaints from Governor Ademola Adeleke over the conduct of the Commissioner of Police in the state, while revealing that the police commissioner had also made allegations that suspected criminals were hiding within the Government House.
The IGP made the disclosure during a meeting with Governor Adeleke and other top government officials as part of efforts to address the recent wave of political violence and security concerns in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The visit followed the IGP’s directive for an end to political killings and violence in Osun State.
Addressing the governor, Disu acknowledged the complaints against the Commissioner of Police.
“I’ve heard complaints from Osun State, and I’m aware you’re not happy with the Commissioner of Police,” the Inspector-General said.
He, however, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had also presented allegations to the police hierarchy.
“But the Commissioner said suspected criminals are hibernating in the Osun State Government House,” the IGP stated, apparently urging both sides to work with security agencies in the interest of peace and security.
Responding, Governor Adeleke dismissed any suggestion that his administration would shield criminal elements, declaring that anyone found culpable should be arrested and prosecuted irrespective of their relationship with him.
“If any of my people commit a crime, arrest them, charge them to court or prison, even if it is my son. All we want is peace in Osun State,” the governor said.
Adeleke maintained that his administration had no interest in protecting lawbreakers and reiterated his commitment to supporting security agencies in maintaining law and order across the state.
The governor’s remarks came amid heightened political tension in Osun, where the state government and opposition figures have traded accusations over rising incidents of violence. Governor Adeleke has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the state Commissioner of Police and has called for impartial policing, while the Inspector-General recently ordered security agencies to restore peace and ensure those responsible for political violence are arrested and prosecuted.
The meeting is expected to shape ongoing security arrangements ahead of the governorship election, with the Nigeria Police Force insisting that it will act without fear or favour in enforcing the law.
Neither the Inspector-General nor the Commissioner of Police provided further details during the meeting regarding the allegation that suspected criminals were hiding in the Government House, while the governor insisted that anyone linked to criminality should face the full weight of the law, regardless of political affiliation or personal relationship.
