Osun Election: Imole Campaign Council Raises Alarm Over Security Deployment at Speaker’s Residence
The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has raised concerns over the reported deployment of armed security personnel to the residence of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, on Saturday morning.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council alleged that more than 10 black Hilux vehicles carrying armed security operatives arrived at the Speaker’s residence and surrounded the premises.
TICC further claimed that the residence had been sealed off, with people inside reportedly prevented from leaving.
The statement read: “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.”
However, the campaign council said it had not independently established the reason for the security presence. It said it remained unclear whether the operatives were deployed to provide protection or were carrying out routine official duties.
TICC called on the relevant security agencies to immediately explain the purpose of the deployment and clarify reports that movement into and out of the Speaker’s residence had been restricted.
The council also said it attempted to contact the publicly listed telephone number of the Commissioner of Police overseeing the election but received no response.
According to the statement, calls were similarly placed to the publicly provided contact line of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police responsible for the election, but the calls were reportedly unanswered.
The council added that it also tried to reach the Police Situation Room through its published telephone number, but the line was reportedly switched off.
TICC stressed that the situation was particularly concerning because it occurred on election day, when voters were expected to freely participate in the electoral process.
“On this Election Day, the people of Osun State deserve an atmosphere free from fear and intimidation,” the council said.
“Security deployments must inspire confidence and protect the integrity of the electoral process.”
The campaign council urged security authorities to provide an immediate explanation for the reported deployment and called for voters to be allowed to participate in the election without intimidation or interference.
It added that residents of Osun State should be able to come out peacefully and cast their votes according to their conscience.
