Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of allegedly colluding with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to enforce a non-existent court order reinstating local government chairpersons and councillors who were dismissed by a Federal High Court in November 2022.
He made these serious allegations during a meeting with top diplomats, led by British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, in his office.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke expressed concern over what he described as a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He condemned the IGP’s actions, stating, “It is unfortunate and a disservice to democracy that the Inspector General of Police is colluding with the APC to enforce a non-existing court order. This is a serious threat to democracy in Nigeria.”
The governor emphasized the heightened political tension in Osun, asserting that rather than safeguarding the rule of law, security forces have been aiding those who are undermining the democratic process.
He stressed that, despite these challenges, Osun’s local government elections would proceed as planned on Saturday. “Our people are ready for elections. We will not allow democracy to be destroyed,” he declared.
Adeleke further detailed the escalation, saying that while he had urged political figures to refrain from interfering, opposition groups, with the support of police, had forcibly entered local government offices, facilitating what he described as illegal actions.
He called on the international community to take note of these threats to democracy in Osun State, particularly highlighting the troubling role of security personnel.
Despite the ongoing political challenges, the governor shared his administration’s progress in improving the state’s infrastructure, reducing its debt by 40%, and enhancing workers’ welfare. “We have made significant strides, including enrolling pensioners in the state health insurance scheme,” he noted.
In his address, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter underscored the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.
He urged all political actors to prioritize peace, dialogue, and respect for legal institutions, emphasizing that Nigeria is a key partner to the UK. “We encourage all stakeholders to uphold democratic values, ensure peaceful governance, and respect legal institutions,” Baxter said.
