Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, from the state command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, barely two weeks before the state's crucial governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026. The directive, contained in a wireless signal marked "Most Immediate" and dated Thursday, July 30, 2026, was circulated to police commands and specialised units across the country, instructing all formations to comply without delay.
According to the internal police communication, Gotan has been posted to the Commissioner of Police, Communications Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on special duty. The message read: "INGENPOL HAS ORDERED THE POSTING OF COMPOL IBRAHIM GOTAN TO CP COMM OPS FHQ ABUJA ON SPECIAL DUTY W.E.F. X TREAT AS VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE". The sudden redeployment comes amid intensifying political activities and mounting pressure on the police boss over allegations of partisanship and bias in the handling of security matters in the state.
The decision follows weeks of sustained calls for Gotan's removal from various political stakeholders, including the ruling Accord Party, opposition parties, and civil society groups, who accused him of compromising the neutrality of the police ahead of the election. The Accord Party had earlier petitioned President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, alleging that about 100 of its members, leaders, and government officials had been arrested and detained in politically motivated operations. The party also claimed that police operatives had invaded the residences of six commissioners and the Secretary to the State Government in what it described as "Gestapo-style operations".
The tension reached a peak on Wednesday, July 29, during a stakeholders' meeting convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo to discuss preparations for the election. Participants openly booed Gotan as he rose to address the gathering, shouting "Redeploy him! Redeploy him!" and accusing him of bias. The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who addressed the gathering shortly afterwards, was warmly received, underscoring the depth of distrust toward the police commissioner.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had also repeatedly called for Gotan's redeployment, accusing him of failing to act impartially in addressing political violence and of illegally detaining government officials. The Governor's Special Assistant on Digital Media, Oni Gbenga Lawrence, welcomed the redeployment, describing it as a positive response to the concerns of residents and political stakeholders. In a post on X, he wrote: "The Commissioner of Police in Osun State has been removed. We thank the Inspector General of Police for listening to the voice of the people. The will of the people cannot be denied".
Gotan had previously dismissed allegations of bias, insisting that his conscience was clear and that the decision on his posting rested with the Inspector-General of Police. However, the mounting political pressure and the open rejection of his leadership by key stakeholders at the INEC meeting appear to have forced the police hierarchy to act.
The redeployment comes at a highly sensitive period in Osun politics, as parties intensify campaigns and preparations for the governorship election. Security arrangements have remained a major concern, with accusations and counter-accusations from rival political camps over violence, intimidation, and alleged abuse of security institutions. With the election now just over two weeks away, the appointment of a new Commissioner of Police for Osun State is expected to be a critical factor in ensuring a credible and peaceful electoral process. The police have yet to announce Gotan's successor as of the time of this report.
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