As voters file out today to elect new governor for Osun, armed security personnel have allegedly surrounded the residence of the Speaker, state House of Assembly, Honourable Wale Egbedun, in Odo Otin Local Government.

 

The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by The Imole Campaign Council (TICC), in charge of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election.

 

Decrying the development, TICC said election should be free and fair such that individuals, irrespective of status, political and religious inclinations would not be subjected to intimidation and infringement on right to liberty.

 

The statement signed by TICC spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi reads: “We have received reports that the residence of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, has been surrounded by armed security personnel who reportedly arrived in more than 10 black Hilux vehicles.

 

“We have also been informed that the residence has effectively been sealed off, with everyone inside reportedly prevented from leaving the premises.

 

“At this moment, we cannot independently confirm the purpose of their presence, whether they are there to provide security or are carrying out routine official duties. We therefore call on the relevant security agencies to immediately clarify the purpose of this deployment and the reported restriction of movement at the residence.

 

“We have called the publicly available official contact line of the Commissioner of Police for the election, but our calls were not answered. We also called the DIG Election contact line without response. We further attempted to reach the Police Situation Room, but the publicly provided number is currently switched off.

 

“On this Election Day, the people of Osun State deserve an atmosphere free from fear and intimidation. Security deployments must inspire confidence and protect the integrity of the electoral process.

 

“The people of Osun State must be allowed to come out peacefully and decide their future according to their own conscience, without intimidation or interference.

 

“We urge everyone to remain peaceful and law-abiding while we await an official explanation from the relevant security authorities, “the statement concluded.