Adeleke reacts to Osun SSG’s arrest, says residents will not bow to intimidation

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that the people of the state will not succumb to intimidation or external interference as the August 15 governorship election approaches.

The governor made the statement on Thursday amid reactions to the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, over alleged vote buying.

Igbalaye was reportedly detained on Wednesday night alongside five others after operatives of the Osun State Police Command raided a private residence in Osogbo.

According to the police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, officers recovered N4.8 million and several items suspected to be linked to electoral activities. The exhibits allegedly included a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two voter cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

The police said the discovery of the cash and voter register raised concerns about possible electoral offences and other related criminal activities.

Although Adeleke did not directly comment on the arrest of the SSG, he insisted that no amount of intimidation would weaken the resolve of the people ahead of the election.

“Throughout the history of Osun State, our people have never bowed to intimidation. We are resilient, determined and protective of our democratic rights,” the governor stated.

He expressed confidence that the will of the people would prevail in the forthcoming election, adding that his administration’s performance would earn the support of voters.

Adeleke said his government’s record in infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare and pension reforms speaks for itself, while promising greater progress if given a second term.

He also urged his supporters to remain united, vigilant and committed to participating peacefully in the election.

The development comes amid growing political tension in Osun State ahead of the governorship poll. Supporters of Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, and those of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have recently exchanged accusations and verbal attacks.

Earlier, the Osun Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, accused police operatives of carrying out what he described as coordinated raids on the residences of the SSG and six commissioners.

Alimi condemned the operation, describing it as a threat to democratic governance and an attack on the Osun State government.