Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke accuses IGP Kayode Egbetokun of enabling APC’s illegal takeover of local councils, calling it an assault on democracy. Speaking to a British envoy, Adeleke condemns police involvement and vows elections will proceed. The UK urges peaceful governance and respect for democratic institutions amid rising political tensions.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of enabling an "assault on democracy" by supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) in forcefully taking over local government councils.
During a meeting with British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter in Osogbo, Adeleke alleged that the IGP was enforcing a "non-existent court order" to legitimize the APC’s actions, describing it as a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.
He condemned the police for backing the APC’s occupation of local government secretariats despite his directive for political actors to remain peaceful. "Security personnel openly aided opposition figures in their illegal takeover," he stated, calling for global attention to the alleged abuse of power.
Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to holding local government elections as scheduled, vowing that "democracy will not be destroyed in Osun." He urged the international community to scrutinize the role of security forces in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
In response, British envoy Jonny Baxter stressed the importance of impartial law enforcement, urging all parties to adhere to democratic principles and resolve disputes legally. "Nigeria is a key partner of the UK, and we encourage all stakeholders to respect legal institutions," he stated.
The crisis in Osun follows weeks of tension over local governance control, highlighting the broader struggle for political influence at the grassroots level in Nigeria.
