Osun State First Lady Titilola Adeleke led a group of women in a peaceful protest against alleged indiscriminate arrests and political violence in Osogbo on Monday, 10 August 2026, as tension mounted ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for 15 August.
The protest brought traders, artisans and women from different groups onto the streets, with the demonstrators demanding a credible and peaceful election and calling on security authorities to ensure political neutrality.
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The march moved towards the Osun State Police Command along the West Bypass, where the protesters presented their concerns to Commissioner of Police in charge of election duties, CP Samuel Etaifo.
Placards carried by the women reflected the anxiety surrounding the approaching poll. Messages included “Election is not war”, “We want a free and fair election” and “Police must be neutral”.
The demonstration remained peaceful, although police officers prevented the protesters from proceeding to the main entrance of the command.
Etaifo subsequently met with the group and listened to their demands.
Speaking for the protesters, Titilola Adeleke said the women wanted security agencies to protect residents and prevent further violence before, during and after the election.
“We are demanding a free and fair election in the forthcoming poll. We want peace; let there be peace,” Adeleke said.
Adeleke also called for notable political figures whom the protesters associated with alleged violence to be invited for questioning.
The allegations were presented by the protesters and were not established by the police during the protest.
Adeleke further raised concerns about reported arrests of political figures, including an allegation involving the state Commissioner for Environment.
The claim formed part of the demands submitted to the police.
The First Lady later handed a letter containing the protesters’ demands to Etaifo.
Etaifo said the police understood the concerns but cautioned that demonstrations by opposing political groups could create additional tension so close to election day.
“I have been here for the past two weeks. The IG was here because of the heightened tension in the state,” Etaifo said.
The police commissioner said his mandate was to stabilise Osun, create conditions for political actors to campaign and vote safely, and build public confidence in the electoral process.
“We don’t want tension before the election; we want peace. We cannot conduct an election in an insecure environment,” Etaifo said.
Etaifo also assured the protesters that the police would review their complaints and restrategise where necessary.
He praised the women for keeping the demonstration peaceful but urged them to return home to avoid a confrontation with another group.
The security concerns come against the backdrop of weeks of political tension in Osun.
Governor Ademola Adeleke and security authorities have previously exchanged concerns over political violence, with the governor calling for the arrest and prosecution of anyone found responsible regardless of political affiliation.
Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu also previously warned political actors and their supporters against violence, saying the police would pursue suspected political thugs and their sponsors.
The intervention reflected wider concerns about maintaining security as the election approached.
The timing of Monday’s protest is significant. The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed the Osun governorship election for Saturday, 15 August 2026.
INEC says 2,339,233 registered voters are eligible to participate across the state’s 30 local government areas, 332 wards and 3,763 polling units.
Fourteen political parties are expected to take part.
The election has already generated considerable political interest, with competing parties seeking to mobilise supporters across the state.
The heightened atmosphere has made security and voter confidence central issues in the final days of campaigning.
For the women who marched in Osogbo, however, the message was less about party politics and more about safety.
Their protest highlighted a simple concern shared by many voters: that political competition should not turn into a threat to ordinary residents.
With just five days remaining before voters head to the polls, the response of security agencies to such concerns could prove important in preserving public confidence.
The police have promised to maintain a secure environment, while the protesters have placed their demands formally before the command.
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Whether those assurances translate into a calm election day will become clearer when Osun voters cast their ballots on 15 August.
Dr. Steven Adesemoye is a Senior Lecturer in Mass Communication at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) and a contributor to Freelanews.com, writing on media, communication, education, and public affairs.
