Juliet Oladele, Reporting
THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to immediately remove the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, from office following his arrest by the Nigeria Police Force.
The opposition party said relieving the SSG of his duties would demonstrate the governor’s commitment to allowing an unhindered investigation into the allegations against him.
The development follows an announcement by the Osun State Police Command that Igbalaye and five other persons were arrested over alleged possession of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), voters’ registers and other election-related materials.
According to the police, the operation was primarily aimed at apprehending a suspect identified as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa”, who is on its watch list over alleged offences, including murder.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, Engr. Remi Omowaiye, urged Governor Adeleke to dismiss the SSG and allow security agencies to carry out their investigation without interference.
Omowaiye alleged that if Governor Adeleke was not shielding criminal elements, he should “immediately sack Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, the Secretary to the State Government of Osun, in whose home a wanted murderer was arrested yesterday.”
He further called on the governor to prioritise the rule of law over political considerations.
“Governor Adeleke should rise above pettiness, lower his desperation for a second term and fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies and allow the investigative process to run its course,” Omowaiye said.
The APC spokesman also claimed that “a governor who is genuinely popular would not need the services of terrors such as Emir Ajagungbade, Nurudeen Alawonle, Abbey Ashipa, Solo Iwara, or other janjaweed to secure electoral victory.”
He commended officers of the Osun State Police Command and the Inspector-General of Police’s special squad for what he described as their professionalism and commitment to tackling criminality in the state.
Meanwhile, the Adeleke Campaign Council maintained that the SSG’s arrest was unlawful and welcomed his release.
The council’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Osun State for what he described as responding to public concerns.
“We sincerely appreciate the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, for listening to the voice of reason despite pressure and for responding to the people’s demand regarding the unlawful arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Igbalaye Teslim,” Olajengbesi said.
He added that the Nigeria Police Force “best serves the nation when it stands against oppression and upholds justice and the rule of law.”
Olajengbesi concluded by welcoming Igbalaye back, stating: “Welcome back, Chief Igbalaye Teslim. Your courage and sacrifice for the people of Osun State will not be forgotten.”
The APC’s demand and the response from the Adeleke Campaign Council underscore the growing political tension in Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, with both sides offering sharply contrasting accounts of the circumstances surrounding the SSG’s arrest.
