Aregbesola vs Oyetola: Protesters Storm Osun Police Headquarters, Demand Removal Of Commissioner

The headquarters of the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo was on Wednesday stormed by some angry protesters.

The protesters led by Rasaq Salinsile are said to be supporters of the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions.

They also demanded the removal of the current Police Commissioner in the state, CP Wale Olokode whom they accused of taking sides with Governor Gboyega Oyetola in the political crisis rocking the state.

According to Salinsile, the Police by taking sides has shown itself incapable of securing the lives and property of the people of the state.

In his words, “We found your Command’s position on the attack on the Minister for Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola contained in the press release of February 15, 2022, absurd, disturbing and unbelievable.

“As bonafide citizens of Nigeria and the socio-political environment called the State of Osun, we put on record once more that you are incapable of living up to the billings of your core duty as a protector of lives and property of all citizens.”

The protest comes after an earlier statement by the Osun State Police Command which warned that it has intelligence reports on the plans by some people to hold a protest capable of affecting the peace in the state.

The statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola warned that nobody or group will be allowed to disrupt the peace of the state.

The command also rubbished allegations that it is one-sided, noting that the Police is not a political organization but will discharge its responsibilities without fear or favour.

The statement reads: “War-mongers, troublemakers, persons, group or groups intending or planning to cause, create or execute any act of violence before, during and after the primary/gubernatorial elections should, in their own interest, leave the State quietly and peacefully.

“The Police and other security agencies in the state will secure a level playing ground for all political parties, politicians and all the eligible electorates to exercise their franchise while we will not hesitate to deal decisively and within the ambit of law, with anyone, group of persons who attempt to foment trouble and in the process disrupt the smooth conduct of the elections.

“Though all allegations and counter-allegations are not unexpected, it is pertinent to state clearly here, that the police is apolitical, and we will discharge our duties without bias or favour to any person or persons regardless of their political affiliation.”