Osun CP, Ibrahim Gotan
A coalition of youths operating under the banner of the World Initiative for Peace (WIP) took to the streets of Osogbo on Monday, June 22, 2026 to express support for the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, amid growing calls from some quarters for his removal.
Despite rainfall, the protesters marched through parts of the state capital, carrying placards and chanting slogans in defence of the police chief. The demonstration highlighted the increasing debate surrounding security management in Osun State as political activities intensify ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
According to the group, efforts to remove Commissioner Gotan are politically motivated and could undermine ongoing security operations in the state. The youths argued that security institutions should be allowed to function independently without interference from political interests.
Speaking during the protest, the leader of the group, Lamina Omotoyosi, urged political actors to refrain from dragging security matters into partisan disputes.
“We want the police to be left alone to perform their constitutional responsibilities. Security should not be turned into a political tool,” Omotoyosi declared.
He stressed that maintaining peace and stability should be the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, particularly during an election season when tensions often rise. According to him, rather than targeting security officials, attention should be focused on strengthening institutions responsible for protecting lives and property.
Omotoyosi also called for greater transparency in government support for security agencies operating in the state. He specifically mentioned the Amotekun Corps, noting that the regional security outfit plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities across Osun.
“It is important for government to focus on equipping security agencies like Amotekun instead of dragging them into political controversies,” he added.
The protest comes at a time when concerns about security have become a major topic of discussion in Osun. While some groups have accused the police command of not doing enough to address incidents of violence, supporters of Commissioner Gotan insist that he should be allowed to continue his work without unnecessary distractions.
Political analysts say the development reflects a broader national conversation about the relationship between politics and security. As elections approach, the performance of security agencies often comes under scrutiny, with different political interests offering varying perspectives on their effectiveness.
For the protesters, however, the message was clear; security agencies must remain neutral and independent, while political leaders should focus on promoting peace rather than deepening divisions.
As Osun moves closer to the governorship election, the debate over policing, security, and political influence is expected to remain a key issue. Whether the calls for the commissioner’s removal will continue or fade away remains uncertain, but today’s demonstration has shown that there are citizens willing to publicly defend his leadership.
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