Osun Govt Warns Police: The Osun State Government has cautioned the Nigeria Police Force against accepting operational vehicles from local government chairmen elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, arguing that the officials currently administering the councils lack legal authority.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Friday, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, described the planned donation as a “poisoned gift” with “malicious, mischievous, and harmful intentions.” The government urged the police to decline the offer in order to protect the neutrality and credibility of the force.
The warning followed an earlier announcement by the Osun chapter of the APC that local government chairmen aligned with the party would donate operational vehicles to boost police security operations. The APC, through its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, defended the move, saying the gesture was aimed at strengthening law enforcement capacity and improving public safety.
The party also criticised the administration of Ademola Adeleke, insisting that security matters should not be politicised. According to the APC, supporting law enforcement agencies with logistics and equipment remains essential for combating crime and safeguarding communities.
However, the Osun State Government rejected the argument, maintaining that the proposed donation is tied to an unresolved political dispute over the control of local government councils in the state. Officials stressed that the individuals currently occupying council positions under the APC lack legal backing, as their status remains under judicial review.
“The so-called APC council executives, who have imposed themselves on the local governments without any legal basis, should not be seen as legitimate authorities providing support to security agencies,” the statement said.
The government further noted that the dispute over the legitimacy of the chairmen is already before the courts, with rulings expected on May 12 and May 21, 2026. Authorities argued that accepting vehicles from the chairmen before the courts deliver judgment could undermine the neutrality of the police.
As part of its appeal, the state government urged the Osun State Commissioner of Police to maintain the independence of the command and avoid any action that could be interpreted as taking sides in the dispute.
It also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene by directing officers in the state to decline the vehicles until the legal issues are resolved.
The conflict over local government control in Osun stems from competing claims between two sets of officials. One group emerged from the October 15, 2022, local government elections conducted during the administration of former governor Adegboyega Oyetola, while another group was elected during the February 22, 2025, polls held under Governor Adeleke.
Although the APC-backed chairmen are currently administering the councils, both sides remain in court seeking validation of their mandates. The outcome of the pending judgments is expected to determine the legitimacy of the council leadership and potentially shape the political landscape in the state.
