Osun 2026: Police Arrest Adeleke’s Commissioner Over Alleged Campaign Violence

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the state Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mayowa Adejoorin, alongside another individual, over allegations connected to political violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The development comes barely a week before voters in Osun State head to the polls in what has become an increasingly tense electoral contest. 

According to reports, Adejoorin, who is also involved in the campaign structure supporting Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid, was arrested in the Ilesa area of the state.

The police confirmed the arrest but said the commissioner was being investigated in connection with allegations relating to election-related violence. The exact details of the allegations against him are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. 

The arrest has already generated political reactions, with supporters of the governor describing the development as part of what they consider a pattern of intimidation of members of the Adeleke campaign organisation.

The Imole Campaign Council alleged that police operatives arrested the commissioner while he was leaving Ilesa. The campaign body further claimed that his driver and security personnel were subjected to humiliating treatment during the arrest. These claims have been attributed to the campaign organisation and have not been independently established. 

Adeleke Campaign Raises Alarm

The latest arrest comes against the backdrop of growing tension between political camps in Osun ahead of the governorship election.

Governor Adeleke’s campaign organisation had earlier petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging politically motivated arrests and intimidation of its supporters.

The campaign council accused security agencies of targeting members of the governor’s political camp and called for assurances that the police would remain neutral during the election.

It also urged the NHRC to intervene over the alleged detention of supporters. 

The allegations have heightened concerns about the security environment surrounding the election, particularly as the contest between Adeleke and his major challengers enters its final stretch.

Police Maintain Election Security Focus

The police have, however, maintained that arrests linked to the election are based on alleged offences and security concerns rather than political affiliation.

The latest development follows a series of arrests and allegations involving political actors and supporters across the state.

Earlier, police arrested the Osun State Secretary to the Government, Teslim Igbalaye, and other Accord Party members in connection with alleged vote-buying. Igbalaye was subsequently released after interrogation. Accord later alleged that a much larger number of its members had been arrested, describing the arrests as politically motivated. 

The competing allegations have created an increasingly charged atmosphere in the state.

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, recently expressed concern over the level of political tension in Osun, warning that the situation was becoming increasingly worrisome ahead of the August 15 poll. 

Election Just Days Away

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, with Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking another term against major challengers, including the APC’s Bola Oyebamiji.

With the election only days away, attention is increasingly focused on the ability of security agencies to maintain peace and ensure that voters, candidates and political parties can participate without intimidation or violence.

The arrest of a serving commissioner so close to the election is therefore likely to remain a major political talking point in the final days of campaigning.

Authorities are expected to provide further information as investigations into the allegations continue.