The Osun State Police Command has taken Secretary to the State Government Teslim Igbalaye and five associates into custody regarding claims of vote trading prior to the August 15 governorship election. Following a raid at Igbalaye’s home in Oroki Estate, Osogbo, authorities reported the recovery of Permanent Voter Cards, voter registers, 4.8 million naira, and office equipment. Among those detained is Abiodun Arowomole, a suspect previously sought by police for murder, along with Taiwo Akande, Lukman Adeyemo, Muftau Olaoye, and Musiliu Aderemi. While the police indicate that an investigation into criminal conspiracy and vote-buying is underway, sources suggest Igbalaye surrendered voluntarily.
The Osun State Government, through Commissioner Kolapo Alimi, denounced the operation as unlawful. Officials maintained that a legitimate ward meeting was occurring at the property while the SSG participated in an INEC stakeholders’ forum. The administration also alleged that the police recently targeted the Commissioner for Energy in Ikire, prompting a plea for intervention from federal authorities and President Bola Tinubu. Conversely, the APC campaign spokesperson, Remi Omowaye, praised the police action. He argued that the raid confirms long-standing concerns regarding the administration’s attempts to manipulate the upcoming election and coerce voters through illicit activities.
