Governor Adeleke and Osun APC trade accusations over fugitive Amotekun Commander amid police investigation into the Akinlalu killings that left several residents dead.
Tension has continued to mount in Osun State following the Akinlalu killings, as Governor Ademola Adeleke and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) clash over the disappearance of the state’s Amotekun Commandant, Mr. Isaac Omoyele.
The tragic incident, which shocked residents, has reopened debates about accountability and political interference in state security operations.
The incident occurred when operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps allegedly stormed Akinlalu Market Square in Ife North Local Government Area, firing sporadically and killing four residents—three of them said to be members of the same family.
Several others were injured during the confrontation, leading to widespread condemnation and public outrage over the Akinlalu killings.
In the aftermath, the embattled Commandant, Omoyele, claimed he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, an assertion police investigators dismissed as false and misleading.
The Osun Police Command insisted that Omoyele’s account was a diversionary tactic aimed at deflecting attention from the unfolding investigation.
The development prompted swift intervention by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector-General of Police, which arrested twenty-five Amotekun operatives linked to the Akinlalu killings.
The police also sealed the corps’ operational base at Oke-Fia, Osogbo, and its office in Ife Central as part of ongoing investigations.
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress reacted strongly, accusing Governor Adeleke of protecting Omoyele from arrest.
In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, the APC demanded that the governor immediately produce the fleeing Amotekun Commander for questioning.
Olabisi argued that while Adeleke publicly commended the police for their professionalism, he had failed to ensure that Omoyele appeared before investigators.
He said that if the governor was truly committed to justice, he must demonstrate transparency by cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities.
“To prove he is sincere about ensuring justice for the victims of the Akinlalu killings, Governor Adeleke must surrender the Amotekun Commander, Mr. Isaac Adekunle Omoyele, to the police,” Olabisi stated.
“If it is true that Omoyele is hiding within the Government House in Osogbo to evade arrest, then such behavior is irresponsible, unpatriotic, and unacceptable.”
The APC spokesperson further alleged that Adeleke’s handling of the matter suggested complicity. He warned that allowing political protection for suspects would undermine the credibility of the ongoing investigation.
“It is tragic that the state’s chief security officer is being accused of aiding a suspect in a criminal case. Justice cannot thrive where political cover-ups exist,” he added.
Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson Mallam Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the APC’s allegations as unfounded and politically motivated
He reaffirmed his confidence in the police investigation, stressing that his administration would not interfere or obstruct justice in the Akinlalu killings case.
“The Akinlalu case is strictly a law and order issue. The Inspector-General of Police has already taken control of the situation, and the police are actively investigating,” Rasheed said.
“Our government will not intervene, influence, or obstruct any part of the investigative process.”
The governor cautioned residents to avoid politicizing the tragedy, urging that due process be allowed to prevail.
“This is not a political matter but a security issue. We must all resist the temptation to exploit the pain of victims for political gains,” Adeleke said.
He also described the APC’s accusations as deliberate misinformation. “These allegations are completely baseless. The Osun APC has lost credibility and is now resorting to fake news. Our government remains focused on maintaining peace and ensuring that justice is served in the Akinlalu killings,” Rasheed emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Akinlalu community and several civil society organizations have continued to demand swift and transparent justice.
The Akinlalu killings have not only sparked anger among residents but have also reignited discussions about the operations of regional security outfits such as Amotekun across the Southwest.
Community leaders and rights groups condemned the killings, accusing Amotekun of excessive force and unprofessional conduct.
They called on both state and federal authorities to ensure that those found guilty are prosecuted, regardless of their political or security status.
Security experts have also weighed in, describing the case as a major test of the credibility of the Amotekun Corps. “If state-backed security agencies continue to operate without strict accountability, incidents like the Akinlalu killings will continue to occur,” one analyst said.
They recommended that the Osun Government initiate a comprehensive review of Amotekun’s structure, with emphasis on discipline, community engagement, and adherence to operational ethics.
As the investigation progresses, questions remain about the whereabouts of the missing Commandant, Isaac Omoyele. The IRT’s ongoing operation suggests that he is a key suspect, and his arrest may be crucial to unraveling what truly transpired in Akinlalu.
The police have assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that all perpetrators of the Akinlalu killings are brought to justice. They also appealed for patience and cooperation from residents, urging anyone with useful information to come forward.
For Governor Adeleke, the case represents a defining moment for his administration’s credibility in handling matters of security and justice. For the APC, it has become an opportunity to challenge the government’s transparency and accountability in governance.
Until the investigation reaches its conclusion, the families of the victims continue to seek answers, demanding justice and closure for their loved ones who were killed in the Akinlalu killings.
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