Osogbo – The wife of the Osun Governor, Mrs Titi Adeleke, on Monday led women in a peaceful protest, demanding a credible and violence-free Aug. 15 governorship election in the state.
Mrs Adeleke was joined by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Ayobola Awolowo, and the Special Adviser to the governor on Market Affairs, Mrs Eniola Omotosho.
The protesters, carrying placards, marched from the Government House to the Police Headquarters.
Speaking during the protest, the governor’s wife said the demonstration was to demand a peaceful election, noting that the killings and rising tension should be brought to an end.
She also called for an end to the alleged arrest of leaders of the Accord Party in the state.
Mrs Adeleke urged the police to invite those involved in the killings for questioning and take appropriate action.
“We are demanding a free and fair election. All we want is peace and a non-violent process,” she said.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Mr Samuel Etaifo, said he was deployed to the state to ensure a peaceful poll.
Etaifo said he was mandated by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu, to stabilise the political environment and provide an enabling atmosphere for all political actors to exercise their franchise peacefully.
“I commend you for conducting a peaceful protest, but I urge you to disperse to avoid any breakdown of law and order.
“I have been here for the past two weeks. The IG was also here due to the heightened tension in the state.
“For the first time, the IG directed the deployment of a Commissioner of Police for election duties three weeks ahead of the poll.
“Since my arrival, there has been relative peace in the state. However, we must avoid actions that could heighten tension,” he said.
The police commissioner assured residents of a peaceful and violence-free environment for the conduct of the election.(NAN)
