The leader of the Peoples Democratic Party local government Chairmen elected in the February 22, 2025, election, Mr Sarafadeen Awotunde, has accused the state Commissioner of Police, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, and the Ikirun Area Commander of attempts to intimidate elders and community leaders in Ikirun in connection with the ongoing chieftaincy matter.
Awotunde who is the PDP chairman of Ifelodun local government, in a statement on Wednesday, said some people with the alleged backing of the police leadership have reportedly been harassing elders of Ikirun and leaders of the National Ikirun Progressives Union (NIPU).
According to him, the move followed the recent visit of Governor Ademola Adeleke to Ikirun and his clear resolve to permanently end the lingering kingship crisis in the town.
Awotunde stated that he had it on good authority that the alleged persons have “enlisted the support of security agencies, including the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, and the Ikirun Area Commander, to harass and destabilise the Akinrun-in-Council led by the Chief Eesa, Alhaji AbdulKareem Adetoyese Lawal, as well as other innocent leaders and highly respected elders of Ikirun.”
“The ALGON Chairman emphasised that the Ikirun Chieftaincy matter squarely falls within the constitutional and executive powers of the Governor of Osun State. He recalled that it was Governor Adeleke who ordered the closure of the palace in the interest of peace, and it was the same Governor who later approved the reopening of the palace strictly for clearing and renovation purposes, also in the interest of sustained peace. Therefore, the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police, and the Ikirun Area Commander should remain professional, neutral, and be guided strictly by the rule of law, and not allow themselves to be used by politicians or political groups hiding under the cover of security operations to destabilise Ikirun once again,” the statement noted.
Awotunde further said, “The peace currently enjoyed in Ikirun must not be sacrificed on the altar of political desperation. Any attempt to intimidate traditional institutions, elders, or peace-loving leaders of the community will be strongly resisted within the confines of the law.”
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