Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has received the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, and called for urgent reforms within the state police command, including the release of people he described as political detainees.
Zungura assumed office on Monday and visited the governor alongside senior officers of the command. The meeting came amid lingering tensions over policing and security in the aftermath of the August 15 Osun governorship election.
Adeleke demands rebuilding of public trust
During the meeting, Adeleke urged the new commissioner to rebuild public confidence in the police by ensuring that officers operate professionally and impartially.
The governor said his administration was seeking “fair policing” rather than preferential treatment and pledged to support police operations without attaching political conditions.
Zungura, in response, promised to work with the state government to promote peace and stability.
“I will be fair to all,” the new commissioner said, according to the report.
Governor calls for action over Ikire killings
Adeleke also raised concerns over the recent violence in Ikire, where two civilians were killed and two police officers were reportedly injured.
The governor alleged that the Divisional Police Officer in the area had been implicated in the incident and called for immediate disciplinary action.
He said the officer had allegedly become a threat to the people he was deployed to protect. The allegation has not been established by an independent investigation.
Five demands presented to new CP
Adeleke outlined five priorities he wants the new police leadership to address:
- Rebuild public confidence in the police command.
- Strengthen cooperation between the state government and police.
- Review and restructure police operational units accused of political bias or compromise.
- Ensure the police participate fully in State Security Council meetings.
- Release Accord Party members whom he described as political detainees and halt what he called politically motivated arrests.
The governor specifically alleged that some police units had acquired reputations for political bias, a claim that would require investigation and evidence to establish.
Political tensions remain after Osun election
The demands come against the backdrop of months of political and security tensions in Osun.
Ahead of the August 15 election, Adeleke’s camp had repeatedly accused the police of targeting its supporters. The campaign team previously alleged that more than 86 members had been arrested, while police maintained that officers were conducting operations against suspected criminals.
The governor has since been declared winner of the election and has called for reconciliation and peace among political stakeholders.
New CP promises impartial policing
Zungura assured Adeleke that his command would be impartial and would work to resolve outstanding security concerns.
He said Osun remained a peaceful state and promised that the command would demonstrate its commitment in the coming weeks.
Adeleke, meanwhile, said the state government was ready to cooperate with the police as long as the command maintained fairness and professionalism.
A fresh test for police-community relations
The new commissioner’s arrival presents an opportunity to rebuild relations between the police, government and residents following a highly contested election period.
Whether Zungura can restore confidence while maintaining police independence from political influence will likely be closely watched by residents and political stakeholders across Osun.
OnPointGist will continue to monitor security and political developments in Osun State and bring you verified updates as they emerge.
