Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and other stakeholders have called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu to immediately remove Osun State Commissioner of Police (CP), Ibrahim Gotan, following a surge in the rate of politically motivated violence and attacks in the state.

The CSOs and other bodies, under the umbrella, Network of Civil Society Groups, yesterday, embarked on a peaceful protest in Osogbo, raising concerns over the alleged partiality and partisanship posture of the CP amid the escalating political tension.

They expressed concerns over the worsening security situation and “the growing public distrust in the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Osun State as the state approaches the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.”

A statement by the protesters and signed by Olowu Emmanuel Aiyedun for Social Economic and Civic Rights Advocacy (SECRA), Wale Balogun (Mekunnu Koya Movement), and others, called on the IGP to urgently review the security situation in Osun and take all necessary measures to guarantee a peaceful electoral environment.

HOWEVER, Gotan has stated that calls for his removal in certain quarters will inspire him to be better at his job.

Gotan, who spoke during a media briefing at the Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo, also stated that the agitation for his removal is part of the fundamental human rights of residents.

The CP stated that some persons were unhappy with his efforts at crime prevention and professional policing, adding that those benefiting from insecurity in the state might feel threatened by the Command’s activities.

He said that his primary objective was to implement the policing strategy of the IGP aimed at making communities across the country safe and peaceful.