By Isaac Mission
The wife of the Osun State Governor, Titilola Adeleke, on Monday led a group of women on a peaceful protest against alleged indiscriminate arrests and rising violence ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The protesters, comprising women from different traders’ and artisans’ associations, marched from the Osogbo–Ilobu Road towards the Osun State Police Command along the West Bypass.
The protest was also attended by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ayobola Awolowo, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Market Affairs, Eniola Omotosho, among other government officials.
Carrying placards, the women called for a peaceful and credible election. Some of the messages on their placards included “Election is not war,” “Stop indiscriminate arrest of our husbands,” “We want a free and fair election,” and “Police must be neutral.”
The protesters were stopped before reaching the main entrance of the police headquarters, where they met the Commissioner of Police responsible for election matters, Samuel Etaifo.
Speaking during the protest, Adeleke said the women were demanding an atmosphere that would allow voters to participate in the election without fear.
She also called on the police to invite some prominent All Progressives Congress chieftains for questioning over alleged acts of violence in the state.
According to her, the women were concerned about reports of arrests involving political figures and alleged attacks on members of their communities.
Adeleke further alleged that a government official arrested the previous Friday had been subjected to degrading treatment while in police custody, describing the situation as unacceptable.
She subsequently submitted a written document containing the protesters’ demands to the police commissioner.
Police promise to address concerns
Responding to the protesters, Etaifo said the police had been working to reduce political tension across Osun State since his deployment to the state.
He explained that the Inspector-General of Police had sent him to Osun ahead of the election because of concerns over the heightened political atmosphere.
Etaifo appealed to the women to avoid actions that could further increase tension, warning that rival political groups staging simultaneous protests could create unnecessary confrontation.
He assured them that the police would review the issues raised and continue working towards creating a secure environment for all political parties and voters.
According to the commissioner, the police had a mandate to stabilise the state, build public confidence and ensure that eligible voters could exercise their franchise without intimidation.
He warned that security agencies would take action against individuals involved in activities capable of disrupting Saturday’s election.
Etaifo said anyone found attempting to manipulate or undermine the electoral process would face arrest and could be transferred to Abuja for further action.
He praised the protesters for maintaining order but advised them to return to their point of departure under police escort to prevent any confrontation or security breach.
The police commissioner reiterated that maintaining peace and security would be critical to ensuring a credible election in Osun State.
