Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has publicly condemned the state's Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gothan, and called for the intervention of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. The governor's demand follows the arrest and continued detention of one of his media aides, Abiodun Adegoke Apesin.
Governor Condemns "Unacceptable" Partisan Conduct
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Monday, January 12, 2026, by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke expressed deep dismay over the situation. He described the actions of the Osun State Police Command as "an unacceptable act of partisan conduct." The governor revealed that Apesin has been held for more than five days in connection with a defamation petition.
This petition is reportedly linked to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji. Adeleke emphasized that his aide has not been formally charged in court and has been denied bail on two separate occasions, despite meeting the conditions set by the police.
A Pattern of Harassment and Rights Abuse
Governor Adeleke contended that the continuous detention of Adegoke constitutes a fundamental breach of his human rights. He pointed out that the alleged offence is a non-capital, bailable offence under Nigerian law. The governor also highlighted a disturbing pattern, noting that before Adegoke, another of his aides, Iyiola Monsuru, was similarly detained.
"Both of them were arrested without the Police extending a formal invitation to them," the governor stated. He accused the police command under CP Gothan of detaining citizens for extended periods without granting bail or pressing charges, often based on verbal petitions from opposition political figures.
Call for Impartiality and Immediate Release
The governor has made a direct appeal to IGP Kayode Egbetokun to call Commissioner Gothan to order. He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Abiodun Adegoke Apesin and an end to the systematic harassment of his media team.
Adeleke cautioned the police against becoming a tool for political players, warning that such partisanship undermines the peace and security of Osun State. "The police should be impartial and non-partisan and serve the interest of all Nigerians within the confines of the law," the governor asserted.
This incident has escalated tensions between the state government and the police command, raising serious concerns about the rule of law and the neutrality of security agencies in Osun.
