Demands Removal of Commissioner, Alleges Failure to Tackle Political Violence Across Osun
A social commentator and public affairs analyst, Sodiq Lawal Chocomilo, has launched a blistering attack on the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, accusing him of failing in his constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property amid rising cases of political violence and killings across the state.
In an open letter addressed to the police commissioner, OneForAllMedia reports that Chocomilo declared that the state's security architecture had collapsed under Gotan's leadership, citing unresolved political killings, widespread fear among residents, and the open display of firearms by suspected political thugs.
The strongly worded letter, titled "Open Letter to Osun State Commissioner of Police," called on the police chief to resign, arguing that his continued stay in office was no longer in the interest of public safety.
According to Chocomilo, political violence has become a recurring nightmare in several parts of Osun State, including Osogbo, Ilesa, Iwo, Ife, Ede, Ilobu, and Igbaye, where residents reportedly live in fear of attacks by armed groups linked to political interests.
The writer referenced a number of violent incidents, including the killing of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu, the death of an elderly resident during a clash in Igbaye, and attacks on young people allegedly targeted because of their political affiliations.
He lamented what he described as the inability of the police command to arrest and prosecute individuals responsible for the killings, despite repeated incidents occurring in public view.
"Political thugs kill in broad daylight. They wear party caps. They use campaign buses to attack, kill and destroy," Chocomilo wrote, insisting that the command had failed to demonstrate the capacity required to confront criminal elements terrorising communities.
The letter also raised concerns about the circulation of illegal firearms across the state, alleging that armed non-state actors openly parade weapons without fear of arrest.
While acknowledging that the commissioner was not personally responsible for the killings, the activist argued that the failure to prevent the violence and bring perpetrators to justice amounted to a serious leadership failure.
Chocomilo further dismissed suggestions that political killings in Osun were isolated incidents, describing them instead as symptoms of a deeper security crisis that has left many residents fearful of carrying out normal daily activities.
He warned that the credibility of the Nigeria Police Force would continue to suffer if security institutions are perceived as being unable or unwilling to confront politically connected offenders.
The activist maintained that Osun requires a police leadership capable of confronting sponsors of violence irrespective of their political status, insisting that peace can only return when perpetrators and their backers are held accountable.
The open letter is expected to generate fresh debate over security challenges in Osun State as political activities ahead of the 2026 governorship election continue to intensify.
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Police Command had not issued an official response to the allegations contained in the letter.
