A civil society organisation, Osun Democrats for Democracy (ODD), has accused the Osun State Police Command of undermining public trust over what it described as an alleged attempt to downplay the reported attack on the Ataoja of Osogbo.
The group, in a statement signed by its Director of Operations and Public Affairs, Adeyefa Adeyemo, expressed concern over what it called conflicting narratives emerging from the police and the monarch regarding the incident.
According to ODD, the traditional ruler had publicly confirmed that he was attacked and that the alleged suspect had already been arrested and taken into police custody. The group said it was therefore surprising that the Police Command appeared to be presenting a position that contradicted the monarch's account.
"Such inconsistencies do little to inspire public confidence in law enforcement and raise legitimate concerns about transparency in the handling of the matter," the statement noted.
The organisation maintained that issues involving the safety and dignity of traditional rulers should be treated with utmost professionalism, stressing that any perceived effort to create confusion around an incident already publicly acknowledged by the victim could damage the credibility of the investigative process.
ODD called on the Commissioner of Police to ensure that investigations into the matter are conducted without fear or favour and that anyone found culpable is made to face the full weight of the law, irrespective of political affiliation, status, or influence.
The group further urged the Police hierarchy to resist all forms of political pressure capable of compromising its constitutional responsibilities, noting that the Nigeria Police Force remains a national institution expected to serve the interests of justice and the Nigerian people.
"Traditional rulers are custodians of our cultural heritage, peace and communal stability. Any attack on a monarch is an attack on the sanctity of our traditional institution and should never be trivialised or subjected to political manipulation," the statement added.
ODD also reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments surrounding the case, insisting that accountability, transparency, and the protection of democratic and traditional institutions must remain paramount.
The organisation concluded by urging the police to act in a manner that reassures the public of its neutrality, professionalism, and commitment to the truth as investigations continue.
