• Police arrest 20 suspects as Governor orders full probe
• State Security Council meets twice in a week over Akinlalu tragedy
• Opposition accused of politicising incident, plotting chaos ahead of 2026 election
By [Olusegun Ogunkayode]
The Osun State Government has dismissed allegations that it is shielding operatives of the Amotekun Corps, involved in the recent killing of residents in Akinlalu, Ife North Local Government Area, saying that Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered a thorough investigation and will not interfere with the ongoing police probe.
While speaking on Frank Talk on Rave FM, the Spokesperson and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said Governor Adeleke took immediate action even while on a medical trip abroad, directing top government officials and security chiefs to visit the affected community and restore peace.
“The Governor was out of the country when the unfortunate incident happened. But from his base in the US, he gave directives to the Deputy Governor, SSG, Chief of Staff, and security agencies. He also ordered an on-the-spot assessment led by service chiefs and government officials,” Rasheed said.
He added that upon receiving preliminary reports, Governor Adeleke cut short his medical check-up and returned home “to personally visit Akinlalu and assure residents of justice and support for victims.”
On the state of the investigation, Rasheed disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had confirmed the arrest of 20 Amotekun operatives linked to the incident, noting that the probe was ongoing. “It will be unprofessional for anyone to preempt the outcome of police investigation. The Governor has ordered that nobody, no matter their position, will be shielded from the law,” he stated.
Responding to claims that lapses in the state’s security structure led to the incident, Rasheed said the Osun State Security Council meets regularly, at least once a month and held two meetings in the same week of the Akinlalu tragedy.
“It’s false that security meetings are irregular. The last Security Council meeting was held on Monday, and another one followed immediately after the Governor’s return. These meetings involve all security Chiefs including Police, DSS, Army, Customs, and Amotekun,” he clarified.
The Governor’s aide accused opposition politicians of “weaponising fake news” and attempting to destabilize the state ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
“Some people want to drag the state into chaos so that a state of emergency can be declared. They’ve failed to hijack the local government system, now they’re targeting Amotekun. The Governor will not allow that,” Rasheed said.
Rasheed confirmed that Governor Adeleke had directed a comprehensive operational review of the Amotekun Corps to correct any lapses. The review, he said, is being coordinated by the retired AIG Wale Abass, who Chairs the Amotekun board.
“Amotekun was created to fill the gap in rural policing. We can’t throw away the baby with the bath water. Every agency has its challenges, but the solution is to reform, not abolition,” he explained.
Responding to opposition calling for the arrest of the Amotekun Commander, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinmbi (rtd), erroneously linked to the killings, Rasheed said the demand was politically motivated.
“You don’t arrest a Commissioner of Police because a constable erred. Likewise, you don’t hold the commander responsible for the act of an operative in the field. The police have identified and arrested those directly involved,” he stated.
He dismissed speculations that the Commander had gone into hiding or was being protected by the state government, saying, “Governor Adeleke is not shielding anyone. The process must follow due course.”
Rasheed stressed that Governor Adeleke’s quick intervention to visit Akinlalu calmed the tensions, adding that the community rejected attempts by political actors to exploit the tragedy.
“The Governor commiserated with victims, promised compensation, and assured that justice will be served. The people of Akinlalu themselves resisted politicisation of the tragedy,” he concluded.
The Osun State Government maintains that it will continue to strengthen inter-agency collaboration between the Police, Amotekun, and other security services to sustain peace across the state.
