Protesters Rally In Osun, Backs Police Commissioner Ibrahim Gotan

Members of the Egalitarian Network Nigeria (eNN) staged a street protest on Friday morning in Osun State in solidarity with the State Commissioner of Police, Egalitarian Network Nigeria (eNN), calling for continued support for his leadership amid recent social media criticism.

The protesters, who occupied a major road within the state capital, carried banners with inscriptions including: “Gotan is performing well in Osun,” expressing confidence in the police leadership of Ibrahim Gotan.

Speaking during the demonstration, Adejumo Michael Oluwawamayowa said the group decided to take to the streets following what he described as online calls for the removal of the police commissioner.

“This morning you can see us occupying the street in solidarity with the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Gotan. During the week, we saw on social media that Gotan should leave Osun State,” he said.

According to him, the allegations circulating against the police chief were “false” and amounted to blackmail, adding that the commissioner has been performing effectively in his duties.

“As a human rights society seeking equity and justice, we see that this man is being blackmailed. The accusations were false; presently, he is doing well,” he said.

Oluwawamayowa also said the group, which he described as non-political, supported security efforts aimed at maintaining peace in the state.

“We want to advise miscreants and criminals in our society to leave Osun State for the peaceful ones,” he said.

He recalled the group’s previous activism during the EndSARS protests, stating that their current demonstration was also rooted in a desire to promote effective policing.

“During EndSARS, we came out and said no to it. Now that the Commissioner of Police is working, let us say yes to him,” he added.

He further noted that the police commissioner responds promptly to distress calls and questioned claims of non-performance, asking if there were recorded cases of attacks that had not been addressed by the police under his leadership.

The group urged residents and political actors in the state to maintain peace and avoid actions capable of destabilizing the security situation.

“Our advice to politicians and the general public is that they should conduct themselves well during this time. Osun is a peaceful state, and we must hold on to that peace,” he said.

The protesters also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies, assuring that the group would support efforts to ensure justice.

“Osun State indigenes and residents are covered and protected under the leadership of Gotan,” he said.