By Our Correspondent

National News

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that neither intimidation nor external interference will stop the people of the state from exercising their democratic rights in the August 15 governorship election.

The governor made the declaration on Thursday following the arrest and subsequent release of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, who was detained by the police over alleged vote-buying.

Igbalaye was arrested alongside five others after police operatives raided his residence in Osogbo, where they reportedly recovered Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), cash and a voters’ register. The Osun State Police Command later confirmed that the SSG had been released while investigations continue.

Although Adeleke did not directly address the allegations against his aide, he maintained that Osun residents would not be intimidated ahead of the election.

According to the governor, the state’s people have consistently resisted oppression and would freely determine their political future through the ballot.

He also expressed confidence in securing another term in office, citing what he described as achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare and pension reforms.

Adeleke said his administration’s performance had earned the confidence of the electorate, adding that the state’s best days were still ahead.

Police Continue Investigation

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said Igbalaye had been released but investigations into the alleged offences were ongoing.

The police also identified the other suspects arrested during the operation as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who was described as a wanted murder suspect, alongside Taiwo Akande, Lukman Adeyemo, Muftau Olaoye and Musiliu Aderemi.

APC Calls for SSG’s Removal

Reacting to the incident, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council in Osun called on Governor Adeleke to remove the SSG from office.

The party’s Media Committee Chairman, Remi Omowaye, accused the governor of shielding individuals allegedly linked to criminal activities and urged him to allow security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation without interference.

The APC further alleged that one of the suspects arrested at the SSG’s residence was already on the police wanted list and demanded that all those involved face the full weight of the law.

Assembly Speaker Raises Alarm

Meanwhile, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, alleged that there were plans by the police to implicate and arrest him ahead of the governorship election.

The Speaker described the arrest of the SSG as an abuse of power and claimed he had received information suggesting that security operatives were plotting his arrest.

Egbedun alleged that his disagreement with the state Commissioner of Police began after he challenged an alleged plan by political thugs to attack his residence.

The developments have heightened political tension in Osun State as parties prepare for the August 15 governorship election.