Osun Group Faults Government Over Akinlalu Killings, Demands Justice, Accountability

A civil society organization, The Osun Masterminds (TOM), has condemned the recent killings allegedly carried out by operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps in Akinlalu, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, describing the incident as a tragic result of “government’s negligence and poor oversight.”

The group said the killings, which have sparked outrage across the state, were a direct consequence of the government’s decision to appoint individuals with questionable records into sensitive security positions.

Addressing journalists at its October edition of the State of the State Address in Osogbo, the Executive Director of the organization, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, said the group had earlier warned the state government against appointing the current Amotekun Commander, Adekunle Omoyele, citing past petitions and verified allegations of brutality and abuse of power against him during his service in the police force.

“We warned the Osun State Government against appointing a man whose years in the police were lined with several accusations of murder, brutality, and abuse of power,” Oyedokun-Alli said.

“Sadly, our fears have now become reality. The killing of innocent persons in Akinlalu shows what happens when governance ignores accountability and common sense.”

The group berated the state government for allegedly acting “indifferently” after the killings, saying the delay in responding to the tragedy reflected poorly on the administration’s handling of security issues.

“Instead of taking decisive steps to punish those involved, the government acted with indifference until the police intervened,” TOM said.

“We appreciate the Nigeria Police Force for rising to the occasion and urge them to ensure a thorough investigation that brings all culprits to justice.”

Education Decay and Abandoned Teacher Recruitment

Beyond insecurity, the group also raised concerns over what it described as the “rapid decay” in Osun’s education sector, accusing the government of neglecting the teacher recruitment process that began before the alleged seizure of local government funds by the Federal Government.

TOM faulted the explanation offered by the state government, calling it “irresponsible” and “misleading.”

“The claim that the recruitment delay was due to seized local government funds is baseless,” the group said. “That action came months after the process had started, and local government funds cater only to primary school teachers under SUBEB, not secondary teachers under TESCOM.”

The group warned that several secondary schools across the state were already in crisis, with some preparing students for national exams despite having fewer than five government teachers.

“Three sets of students have graduated in three years, poorly instructed and ill-prepared for tertiary education. We cannot continue like this,” the statement read.

Tertiary Tuition and Rising Poverty

The organization also decried the “exorbitant” tuition fees being charged in Osun-owned tertiary institutions, particularly at the University of Ilesa and the Osun State University, where some students reportedly pay up to ₦1.3 million.

“In a struggling state like Osun, such fees are unrealistic,” TOM said. “Education must remain within reach of the common man. We urge the government to immediately regulate the tuition system in its public institutions.”

Political Tensions and Industrial Harmony

Commenting on the political scene, the group expressed concern over “growing altercations” among governorship aspirants within the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that such divisions could threaten the state’s fragile peace.

“A credible opposition is essential to good governance. The APC must avoid internal bickering that can endanger stability,” Oyedokun-Alli noted.

TOM also appealed to the Federal Government to prevent another round of strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), urging dialogue rather than confrontation.

“Dialogue, not threats, is the only path to resolving the recurring crisis in our education and health sectors,” the group advised.

While congratulating the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, on his appointment, the group urged him to build on the performance of his predecessor by consulting widely and improving electoral credibility.

“He must see his position as a call to duty. History beckons,” TOM added.