The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has leveled serious accusations against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, claiming that he is planning to assassinate Governor Ademola Adeleke. These allegations were made during a world press conference held by the PDP in Osogbo on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. According to the party, Egbetokun is also attempting to destabilize the state through orchestrated violence.
PDP Chairman in Osun, Sunday Bisi, made the bold claims, stating that the IGP has deployed Police Special Forces to escort miscreants into local government council secretariats, with the aim of causing chaos. Bisi referred to these actions as a “blatant coup,” adding that they were part of a larger plan to harm the state governor. “This was nothing but a blatant coup. The move is part of a broader plan to assassinate the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke,” Bisi declared.
The crisis in Osun has been escalating in recent days, following violent clashes sparked by attempts from ousted local government chairmen and councillors from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to regain control of council secretariats. The violence led to the deaths of six individuals, including Remi Abass, the former chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, who was killed in Ikire town. Bisi pointed to these incidents as evidence of a larger plot to destabilize the state.
Governor Adeleke, according to Bisi, has been in communication with the IGP to restore peace following the violence that erupted on Monday. However, Bisi questioned the IGP’s actions, specifically his decision to bypass Governor Adeleke in responding to the security crisis. “Why did Egbetokun sidetrack Governor Adeleke before taking a position on the court judgement?” Bisi asked, expressing concerns that the IGP’s actions are suspicious and could lead to further unrest.
The PDP chairman also accused the police chief of violating security protocols, thus fostering an atmosphere of fear and tension in the state. “The blatant disregard for due process by the IGP is suspicious and dangerous. Rather than reinforcing security to protect lives, Egbetokun’s actions have emboldened troublemakers,” Bisi said. He also alleged that nearly ten people had died in violent confrontations within just 48 hours of the unrest.
In addition to the accusations regarding violence and assassination plots, Bisi warned that the police intervention could be a strategic move to disrupt the upcoming local government elections in the state, scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025. “The IGP is ready to bend the rules and allow killings of our people just to prevent the elections from taking place,” he claimed. Despite these challenges, Bisi emphasized that the people of Osun would not be intimidated. “Osun State will not be intimidated by anyone, not even by an IGP whose tenure has been controversially extended,” he asserted.
