Osun gov refutes claim of protecting Amotekun commander wanted for killings

Osun gov refutes claim of protecting Amotekun commander wanted for killings

Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has denied allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) of sheltering the commander of the Osun Amotekun corps, Adekunle Omoyele, who is wanted by the police over the killing of residents in Akinlalu community, Ife north local government area.

The APC, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, on Sunday, October 12, accused Adeleke of protecting Omoyele to prevent his arrest, describing the act as “condemnable, irresponsible, wicked, and unpatriotic.”

The party urged the governor to show genuine respect for the rule of law by cooperating with the police and handing over the Amotekun boss for investigation.

The opposition party said reports circulating in Osogbo suggested that Omoyele had been hiding in the government house to evade arrest, insisting that governor Adeleke must be held accountable if the allegations were true.

It added that Adeleke’s earlier praise for the police’s “professional handling” of the case would be meaningless if he continued to shield suspects.

The APC further alleged that the governor’s conduct reflected a pattern of “aiding and abetting impunity,” citing previous incidents involving Omoyele, his former chief security officer, who went into hiding after his reported assassination claim was dismissed by the police.

In response, governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, rejected the accusations as unfounded, describing them as “another attempt by a desperate opposition to remain relevant.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s confidence in the police investigation and said his government would not interfere in the process.

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“The Akinlalu case is strictly a matter of law and order under the jurisdiction of the inspector-general of police,” Adeleke’s statement read.

“The police are actively investigating, and our administration will not intervene. We urge the public to avoid politicising this unfortunate incident. The APC’s claims are baseless and aimed at destabilising the state. We will not yield to blackmail.”

The controversy follows the September 30, 2025, incident in Akinlalu, where Amotekun operatives opened fire on residents, killing three people and injuring several others.

The victims were identified as Ibrahim Oyebamiji (26), Sefiu Oyebamiji, and Abiola Olutayo.

Injured persons included Adeagbo Kadijat (22), Oke-Ila Oyebamiji (60), and Fayomi Toheeb (19).

Police reports indicated that Amotekun officers removed the corpses from the scene.

While the corps admitted its men shot three people, it claimed the victims were among hoodlums who ambushed its operatives during an attempt to recover stolen rifles.

The Inspector-general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, has since deployed a special team from Force Headquarters to handle the investigation.

Five Amotekun operatives have been arrested, while commander Omoyele has yet to respond to police summons, a situation that sparked the APC’s latest criticism of the governor.

As investigations continue, the incident has intensified political tensions in Osun state, with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC trading accusations over the handling of the tragedy.

Osun gov refutes claim of protecting Amotekun commander wanted for killings