14-Year-Old’s Death Sparks Fresh Controversy As Adeleke Accuses Police Of Protecting APC Thugs

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has described the killing of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu as a troubling indication of increasing police complicity in politically motivated violence within the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor expressed deep concern over the incident, questioning why police officers who were reportedly present at the scene failed to stop the attack that claimed the teenager’s life.

Adeleke alleged that security agencies have consistently failed to prevent attacks and intimidation allegedly carried out by political thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) against residents and supporters of the Accord Party in several communities across the state.

The governor extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the prime suspect, identified as Saheed Tanfeani, along with others allegedly connected to the incident.

According to Adeleke, the killing represents what he called a disturbing pattern of police tolerance towards armed political thugs operating in the state.

“This tragic incident is one of the clearest examples of police complicity. It reinforces concerns about the apparent indulgence of APC political thugs who openly move around with weapons and frequently fire gunshots into the air,” he said.

The governor further accused the Osun State Police Command of exhibiting bias in favour of the APC, alleging that some officers have been seen accompanying members of the group’s political machinery during their activities.

Adeleke also claimed that the police were providing protection for APC local government chairmen who had been removed from office through court rulings. He alleged that security personnel had been stationed at local government secretariats to prevent elected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officials from assuming their positions.

Describing the situation as a misuse of police authority, the governor warned that failure to respect court decisions could undermine democratic governance and threaten peace and stability in the state.

“Mobile police officers are being deployed to local government secretariats to shield APC operatives whose tenure has expired and who have been removed by the courts, while preventing duly elected PDP chairmen and councillors from carrying out their responsibilities,” Adeleke stated.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that continued failure by law enforcement agencies to uphold the law could erode public confidence and encourage citizens to seek alternative means of justice.

“We urge the President to take note of the growing frustration among our people. When law enforcement fails to act, there is a risk that citizens may resort to self-help. The rule of law, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution must be respected at all times,” he added.