Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and other stakeholders have called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu to immediately remove Osun State Commissioner of Police (CP), Ibrahim Gotan, following a surge in politically motivated violence and attacks in the state.
The groups, under the umbrella of the Network of Civil Society Groups, embarked on a peaceful protest in Osogbo yesterday, raising concerns over the alleged partiality and partisanship of the CP amid escalating political tension. They expressed worries about the worsening security situation and the growing public distrust in the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Osun State as the state approaches the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
A statement signed by Olowu Emmanuel Aiyedun of the Social Economic and Civic Rights Advocacy (SECRA), Wale Balogun of the Mekunnu Koya Movement, and others urged the IGP to urgently review the security situation in Osun and take all necessary measures to guarantee a peaceful electoral environment.
CP Gotan Responds
However, CP Gotan stated that calls for his removal in certain quarters would inspire him to improve his performance. Speaking during a media briefing at the Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo, he noted that the agitation for his removal is part of the fundamental human rights of residents.
Gotan asserted that some individuals are unhappy with his efforts at crime prevention and professional policing, adding that those benefiting from insecurity in the state might feel threatened by the Command's activities. He emphasized that his primary objective is to implement the policing strategy of the IGP aimed at making communities across the country safe and peaceful.
