Adeleke tasks new Osun CP Ibrahim Zungura with police reforms, fair policing and restoring public confidence amid post-election tensions and the Ikire violence.
Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has tasked new Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura with police reforms, fair policing and restoring public confidence as the state deals with post-election tensions and violence in Ikire. Adeleke made the demands on Monday when Zungura paid a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Osogbo.
The meeting came less than two weeks after the August 15 governorship election, which Adeleke won for a second term, with the governor saying peace had yet to fully return to parts of the state.
Adeleke Meets New CP Zungura In Osogbo
Governor Adeleke received the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim D. Zungura, in Osogbo alongside senior officers of the state command. Zungura, who previously served as Commissioner of Police in charge of Training and Courses at the Police Academy in Kano, assumed duty in Osun on Monday following the redeployment of former CP Ibrahim Gotan.
During the meeting, Adeleke outlined five major requests, including professional conduct, closer cooperation between the government and police command, reorganisation of police units, regular participation in the State Security Council and the release of people he described as political detainees.
The governor stressed that the police should operate without political bias and treat residents equally regardless of their political affiliations.
Adeleke also assured the new police leadership that his administration was ready to support police operations without attaching political conditions to such assistance.
Ikire Violence Puts Security Under Pressure
The meeting came against the backdrop of a recent police operation in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, in which two people were reportedly killed.
Adeleke told Zungura that the incident required urgent attention and alleged that the Divisional Police Officer in the area had been implicated. “Based on all details of the attacks, I request immediate commencement of disciplinary action against the DPO. He has become a threat to the people he was posted to protect,” Adeleke said.
The governor’s concerns reflect the wider strain between his administration and the police command over the handling of politically sensitive matters.
Adeleke had previously accused some officers of acting in a partisan manner and criticised the detention of members of his political camp.
Zungura Promises Fairness And Cooperation
Zungura, in his response, promised to work with the state government to promote peace, stability and public confidence in the police.
“I promise to work with the state government for peace and stability of the state. I will be fair to all, and I will prove my commitment in the next few weeks,” the new CP said.
He also acknowledged the security challenges facing the state and said the command would work to address outstanding concerns.
His appointment follows the transfer of Gotan, whose tenure had been marked by criticism from political actors and civil society groups over allegations of bias.
The change in leadership gives Zungura the responsibility of rebuilding confidence in the command while dealing with security concerns that continued after the election.
Political Tensions Continue After August Poll
The security situation in Osun remains a concern even after the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke emerged victorious in the poll and secured a second term, but the governor said the state was still dealing with issues arising from the political tensions surrounding the election.
Before the election, Adeleke and opposition figures had repeatedly traded accusations over political violence, arrests and the activities of alleged political thugs.
The strained relationship between the state government and the police also became a major part of the political debate, with the governor repeatedly calling for what he described as impartial policing.
With a new commissioner now in charge, attention has shifted to whether the command can improve relations with residents and political stakeholders while maintaining its independence.
Five Areas Adeleke Wants Zungura To Address
During the meeting, the governor highlighted five areas he wants the new commissioner to focus on:
Professional Conduct: Adeleke asked officers to carry out their duties professionally and impartially, with greater attention to the rights and concerns of residents.
Police Reorganisation: He called for changes to the internal operations of the command, particularly units he alleged had been compromised or developed a reputation for political bias.
Security Council Participation: The governor urged the new CP to take part fully in meetings of the State Security Council to improve coordination between security agencies and the state government.
Release Of Detainees: Adeleke called for the release of members of the Accord Party whom he described as political detainees and urged an end to what he considered politically motivated arrests.
Investigation Of Violence: He called for proper investigations into the Ikire incident and other security concerns, with anyone found responsible facing the law regardless of political affiliation.
Adeleke Assures Police Of Government Support
While pressing for reforms, Adeleke said his administration would support the police command in carrying out its duties. The governor stressed that the assistance would not come with political conditions. “Our government is ready to support police operations without any strings attached. What we seek is fair policing,” he said.
Adeleke has also previously advocated for state police, arguing that a policing structure closer to local communities could improve security.
For now, however, his administration is looking to the existing federal police structure to respond more effectively to security concerns across Osun.
What Zungura Faces In Osun
Zungura takes charge at a sensitive point for the Osun Police Command.
The immediate concerns include restoring confidence in the police, addressing allegations of political bias and responding to violence in communities such as Ikire.
The governor has made it clear that he expects the command to act against anyone involved in criminal activity, while the new CP has promised to remain fair and work with the state government.
That balance will be important as Osun moves beyond the election period.
Public Expectations Remain High
Residents in Osogbo, Ikire, Ile-Ife and other parts of Osun are now watching the new police leadership closely.
For many residents, the key issue is whether complaints about insecurity and alleged political interference will lead to concrete action. Adeleke wants a police command that residents can trust, while Zungura has promised impartiality and cooperation.
The coming weeks will show whether those commitments lead to stronger policing, greater public confidence and a calmer political atmosphere across Osun.
