Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has thrown down a public gauntlet to the Nigeria Police Force, declaring that no one — not even his own son — is above the law. The statement came during a tense but cordial meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, at the Government House in Osogbo on Friday, amid rising pre-election tensions in the state.
“Arrest Anyone, Even My Son”
The governor’s remark was a direct response to intelligence shared by the IGP during the courtesy visit. According to IGP Disu, the Osun Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had briefed him that some criminal suspects being sought by police were allegedly taking refuge inside the Government House.
Adeleke flatly denied shielding wrongdoers. Instead, he told the IGP to act decisively.“If you see any of my people that committed a crime, arrest them. If it is my son who committed a crime, arrest him, let him learn his lesson, and that is what I am saying in front of the IGP,” Adeleke said.
He reiterated that he does not condone criminality and expects the police to be “our friend” by doing the right thing. The governor said he was glad the IGP pledged to stamp out indiscipline, but warned that the force must remain professional and impartial.
Clash Over Police Neutrality and Alleged Bias
While pledging cooperation, Adeleke also accused some officers of “playing games” with security duties. He cited the case of a 14-year-old boy killed in Ilobu, noting that the police officer who arrested the suspect under the IGP’s directive was later transferred.
The governor further criticized the Osun Police Command for what he described as a loss of professionalism. He alleged that detentions are now carried out based on “verbal petitions or instructions from opposition political leaders” with little regard for citizens’ rights.
This is not the first time Adeleke has raised the alarm. In January 2026, he petitioned the then IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, to call Commissioner Gotan to order over the arrest and continued detention of his aide, Abiodun Adegoke Apesin, over a defamation petition linked to APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji. The governor called the detention a “fundamental breach of the law and the constitution” after the aide was denied bail twice despite meeting conditions.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, however, absolved the commissioner of wrongdoing, saying investigations had been completed and charges would be filed in court.
Pre-Election Violence Puts Osun on Edge
The exchange comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The IGP’s visit was aimed at assessing security and ensuring a peaceful poll.
Adeleke has repeatedly condemned what he described as “coordinated attacks carried out by pro-APC political thugs” in Ile-Ife, Ede, and Osogbo. He has called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the IGP, and the DSS to urgently intervene and call political leaders including former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji to order.
The opposition APC, on its part, has accused PDP allies like Olalekan Oyeyemi of operating from government premises. Both leaders, however, pledged cooperation during the meeting to ensure a peaceful election, with Disu vowing action against violence regardless of party ties.
Government House Under Scrutiny
The allegation that suspects were sheltering inside the Government House added fuel to the fire. Adeleke denied the claim and urged the police to present evidence and make arrests if necessary, rather than make political statements.
“The commissioner of police should stop the ongoing politicisation of a delicate state security matter,” the state government warned in an earlier statement.
The governor also cautioned the police against becoming “a tool in the hands of political players,” stressing that such actions could undermine peace and security in the state.
Adeleke’s “arrest my son” declaration is being read in two ways.
To supporters, it is a bold statement of accountability and a challenge to security agencies to be fair.
To critics, it is a political counter to allegations of shielding allies.
With the August 15 election approaching, the stakes are high. The IGP assured the governor that the police would not tolerate indiscipline and would act against any form of political violence. Both sides agreed that peace must be prioritized.
For residents of Osun, who have already witnessed school closures over banditry rumors and attacks in motor parks, the message from Government House is clear: the law must apply to everyone.
As Adeleke put it, “Police is our friend. We are not fighting the police, but you have to do right”. Whether that neutrality holds in the coming weeks will determine if Osun navigates its election season without bloodshed.
