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IGP Reportedly Orders Two-Month Police Watch At Osun Council Offices Amid Power Tussle
As the political tension over local government control in Osun State intensifies, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the tactical squad deployed to the state to remain stationed at local government secretariats for the next two months.
A high-ranking police source, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the squad has been mandated to secure the secretariats and prevent any breakdown of law and order amid the ongoing leadership tussle.
The crisis erupted following the swearing-in of newly elected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) local government chairmen by Governor Ademola Adeleke, despite opposition from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The APC has maintained that a recent Court of Appeal ruling reinstated their previously elected LG chairmen, who were removed from office in 2022.
To prevent clashes, Governor Adeleke has instructed the new PDP chairmen and councillors to stay away from the secretariats until legal disputes are resolved. However, APC leaders insist they remain the legitimate LG officials and have vowed to take measures, including urging banks to freeze council accounts, to prevent the PDP chairmen from accessing funds.
Security operatives, deployed by the IG, are expected to ensure order at the council secretariats as tensions persist. Multiple sources indicate that the tactical teams will remain in Osogbo and other parts of the state until further notice.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has assured that his administration acted within the confines of the law in conducting the LG elections. He has called on the newly elected officials to focus on governance and uphold democratic values.
