The Commissioner of Police (Election) in Osun State, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, has warned individuals and groups against any attempt to forcefully take over the affairs or premises of Local Government Areas in the state, saying such action would amount to a breach of peace and attract arrest and prosecution.
The warning came on Monday, following reports of alleged plans by some individuals and groups to take control of Local Government facilities despite the fact that the matter remains before the court.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner, the police urged all parties involved in the dispute to exercise restraint and allow the judiciary to determine the matter.
Etaifo said, “No individual, political group, or association has the right to resort to self-help or the use of force to assume control of any Local Government Area or public institution while judicial proceedings are ongoing.”
The Commissioner, who congratulated the people of Osun State on the peaceful conclusion of the recent governorship election, also called on political actors and their supporters to respect the rule of law.
He warned that any attempt to forcibly occupy or disrupt Local Government facilities would be treated as a serious security threat.
“Any attempt to forcibly occupy or disrupt Local Government facilities will be viewed as a serious breach of the peace and dealt with decisively in accordance with the law, including arrest and prosecution of persons found culpable,” he stated.
The police commissioner appealed to parents, community and traditional leaders, political leaders, youth leaders and other stakeholders to prevail on their supporters to refrain from actions capable of disrupting the peace of the state.
He further urged residents to remain calm and allow the judicial process to run its course, assuring that the police would continue to protect lives and property and maintain public order across the state.
“Let the courts determine the matter in accordance with the law. All parties are urged to exercise patience and respect the judicial process,” Etaifo said.
The warning comes against the backdrop of the lingering dispute over the control of Local Government Areas in Osun State, with the police stressing that no party should attempt to obtain through force what is subject to judicial determination.
The Command consequently urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding, assuring them of continued police presence and decisive action against anyone who attempts to undermine public peace.
