The political dispute over allegations that wanted criminals are being sheltered in the Osun State Government House deepened on Saturday as the All Progressives Congress accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of failing to directly address the claims made by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
The controversy followed the IGP’s visit to the Government House in Osogbo on Friday, where he disclosed that the Osun State Commissioner of Police had informed him that some suspects being sought by the police were allegedly taking refuge within the Government House.
Although Governor Adeleke denied the allegation and urged security agencies to arrest any criminal regardless of their relationship with him, the APC dismissed his response as inadequate.
In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Olabisi, the APC alleged that the governor’s denial failed to address the substance of the accusation, insisting that individuals wanted by the police were being protected from arrest.
The party further claimed that a viral video allegedly showed one of the police’s wanted suspects entering a room inside the Government House, while also alleging that photographs existed showing the governor in the company of suspected political thugs during public events.
According to the APC, the governor’s response amounted to an attempt to divert attention from the allegations instead of addressing them directly.
The party also criticised the conduct of some Adeleke supporters during the IGP’s visit, describing their behaviour as inappropriate.
Responding on behalf of the Imole Campaign Council, Director of Strategic Communication, Jamiu Olawumi, dismissed the APC’s allegations as false and politically motivated.
He argued that the Government House is secured by police officers who report directly to the Nigeria Police Force, questioning how wanted criminals could allegedly operate there without security personnel reporting the matter to their superiors.
Olawumi maintained that if the allegations were true, it would amount to a failure on the part of the police personnel responsible for securing the Government House.
He also accused the APC of projecting practices from its time in office onto the current administration, insisting that Governor Adeleke had consistently maintained that anyone involved in criminal activities should face the law, regardless of personal ties.
The campaign council further urged the police to investigate the claims made by APC leaders to establish the facts surrounding the allegations.
The exchange comes a day after the Inspector-General of Police disclosed during his meeting with the governor that he had received reports alleging that some suspects being sought by law enforcement were hiding in the Osun State Government House. Adeleke responded by directing security agencies to arrest anyone found to have committed a crime, even if the person was a member of his family.