CSOs Protest Rising Political Violence In Osun

Human rights organisations, under the umbrella of Network of Osun Civil Society Groups, have protested increasing political violence across the state ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

The groups called for the immediate redeployment of the state commissioner of police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, over his alleged bias, rising insecurity concerns, and declining public confidence in policing.

Though peaceful, the protesters, under police watch, marched from Nelson Mandela Park to Okefia and converged at the popular Olaiya junction in Osogbo, carrying placards with various inscriptions and chanting solidarity songs to draw attention to their demand.

Speaking during the protest, secretary of the group, Raufu Sodiq (Oluomo Success), said residents of the state had lost confidence in the police command, alleging that recent incidents of political violence had not been properly addressed.

He said the state’s reputation for peace and civility was being threatened by what he described as partisan conduct within the security architecture.

The groups had earlier, in a statement signed by their leaders, said that their demand for the redeployment of the CP was not an accusation of guilt against him but a preventive step aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

It urged security agencies to intensify investigations into all cases of political violence and ensure prosecution of offenders, regardless of political affiliation, while calling on electoral and civic institutions to strengthen voter confidence ahead of the election.