By Peace Erewunmi

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for stronger efforts to restore peace, rebuild public confidence in the police and promote reconciliation across the state following the recent governorship election.

Adeleke made the call on Monday when the newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim D. Zungura, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Osogbo.

Zungura, who assumed office following the redeployment of the former Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, assured the governor that his administration of the command would be guided by professionalism, fairness and respect for the rule of law.

The new police commissioner also pledged to work closely with the state government and other stakeholders to restore stability and rebuild the relationship between the police and residents.

«“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.”»

Adeleke Lists Five Priorities

Welcoming the new CP, Adeleke said Osun had experienced difficult political moments and that genuine post-election peace and reconciliation had not yet been fully achieved in some parts of the state.

The governor consequently outlined key areas he expects the new police leadership to address.

He called for the rebuilding of public trust in the police, improved police-community relations and an end to practices that could create perceptions of partisanship within the command.

Adeleke also asked the police to strengthen security coordination across the state and ensure that laws enforcement remains impartial and people-oriented.

The governor assured the new commissioner that his administration would support the police command without strings attached, while expecting professionalism and fairness in return.

Governor Raises Concern Over Ikire Violence

Adeleke also drew attention to the recent violence in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, where a police operation reportedly resulted in deaths amid a dispute over control of a motor park.

The governor called for disciplinary action against the Divisional Police Officer in Ikire, alleging that the officer had been implicated in the incident.

He also called for the release of members of the Accord Party whom he described as political detainees and urged the police to stop further arrests of his supporters.

The governor’s demands come against the backdrop of heightened political tensions following the August 15 governorship election, which he won for a second term.

New CP Promises Impartial Policing

Responding to the governor’s concerns, Zungura promised to establish a new relationship between the police and the people of Osun.

He said the command would work to address outstanding security issues and ensure that residents could have confidence in the police.

The commissioner described Osun as a peaceful state and said his immediate priority would be to maintain that peace while addressing emerging security concerns.

The meeting between the governor and the new police commissioner is expected to mark a fresh phase in the state’s security administration as Osun seeks to move beyond the political tensions surrounding the election.

For Adeleke, restoring peace and reconciliation remains crucial to ensuring stability and allowing the state to focus on governance and development.