Residents of Osun State on Friday staged a peaceful protest in support of the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, describing his leadership as people-oriented and committed to professionalism, swift response, and crime reduction in the state.

The protest, organised by the Egalitarian Network Nigeria (eNN), commenced at the popular Olaiya Junction and proceeded through MDS, Orisunbare Market, Old Garage, and Oke-Fia in Osogbo despite the rainfall, as participants chanted support for the police commissioner and called for the sustenance of peace
and security in the State.

The protesters displayed banners with inscriptions such as “Gotan Must Stay,” “The People’s Commissioner,” and “Support Professionalism, Swift Response and Zero Crime in Osun State.”

Speaking during the protest, the Coordinator of Egalitarian Network Nigeria, Adejumo Michael, said the demonstration was organised to express solidarity with CP Gotan following calls on social media for his removal from the state.

He urged criminals and miscreants to leave the state, stressing that Osun remained peaceful under the leadership of the police commissioner.

Adejumo commended CP Gotan for responding swiftly to security concerns and urged residents to continue reporting criminal activities to the police.

According to him, the group believed the commissioner had been wrongly accused and was performing well in the discharge of his duties.

“We saw on social media that Gotan should leave Osun State, and as a human rights organisation that stands for equity and justice, we believe the commissioner is being blackmailed. The allegations against him are false; presently, he is doing well.

“We came out during EndSARS to make our position known. Now that the Commissioner of Police is working, we are saying yes to him. That is why we are here this morning.

“The people of Osun State and those residing here are covered and protected under Gotan’s leadership,” he said.

He, however, appealed to politicians and residents to maintain peace and conduct themselves responsibly as the state approaches a critical period.