Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared that residents will not succumb to intimidation ahead of the August 15 governorship election, following the arrest and subsequent release of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye.
Igbalaye was detained by the police alongside five others over alleged vote-buying offences after operatives raided his residence in Osogbo. Items reportedly recovered included Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), cash, and a voters’ register.
The Osun State Police Command later confirmed his release, stating that investigations are ongoing.
In a statement, Adeleke maintained that no form of harassment or external interference would override the will of the people, expressing confidence in a peaceful and decisive electoral outcome. He added that his administration’s performance would speak for itself at the polls.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has called for Igbalaye’s resignation, alleging that the SSG harbored criminal suspects, including an individual reportedly on the police watch list. The party urged the governor to allow a full investigation and ensure accountability.
Also reacting, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, alleged a plot by the police to implicate and arrest him ahead of the election, describing the SSG’s arrest as an abuse of power.
The developments come amid heightened political tension in Osun State as stakeholders prepare for the upcoming governorship election.
