Osun LGAs: Police Warn Against Violence, Vow to Prosecute Troublemakers

The Osun State Police Command has issued a stern warning against any attempt to use violence or force to take over local government areas in the state, vowing to arrest and prosecute anyone who threatens public peace.
The warning followed reports of plans by some individuals and groups to forcefully take control of local government areas and their facilities, despite ongoing judicial proceedings over the matter.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police (Election), Samuel Erale, the command described any attempt to seize local government facilities through force as self-help and a serious breach of the peace.
The police stressed that no individual, political group or association had the right to assume control of a local government area or public institution while the matter remained before the courts.
The command urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and allow the judiciary to resolve the dispute in accordance with the law.
It warned that anyone who attempts to forcibly occupy or disrupt local government facilities would face arrest and prosecution.
The statement read in part, “Any attempt to forcibly occupy or disrupt Local Government facilities will be viewed as a serious breach of the peace and dealt with decisively in accordance with the law, including arrest and prosecution of persons found culpable.”
The police also called on parents, traditional and community leaders, political and youth leaders, as well as other stakeholders, to caution their supporters against actions capable of threatening the peace and security of the state.

With the election victory secured by Governor Ademola Adeleke last weekend, his supporters say they can no longer watch while the All Progressives Congress, APC continues to be in control of the councils without valid legal backing.