The political landscape of Osun State, Nigeria, has been embroiled in a turbulent power struggle, escalating tensions between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). The conflict centers around the disputed positions of local government chairmen, originally elected under the APC but subsequently removed from office following court rulings. The attempt by these dismissed chairmen to reclaim their positions has sparked clashes between supporters of both parties, leading to a volatile security situation and drawing sharp criticism from prominent figures, including Afrobeats star Davido, who has publicly condemned the Osun State Commissioner of Police for his perceived inaction and bias.
The crisis reached a boiling point over the weekend of February 15-17, 2025, beginning with a press conference held by Governor Ademola Adeleke, Davido’s uncle and a member of the PDP. Governor Adeleke appealed to President Bola Tinubu for intervention, accusing former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, a member of the APC and a minister in Tinubu’s cabinet, of orchestrating the forceful reinstatement of the sacked chairmen using security forces. He stressed that any contestation of the court rulings should be pursued through legal channels, not through violent takeovers. This appeal, however, seemingly went unheeded, as the situation deteriorated further.
On Monday, February 17, 2025, violence erupted at several local government secretariats across Osun State as the dismissed chairmen, accompanied by their supporters, attempted to forcibly retake their offices. They were met with resistance from PDP members, leading to chaotic scenes and reported gunfire. This escalating conflict has fueled fears of widespread unrest and instability in the state, prompting calls for calm and adherence to legal processes. The police response, or perceived lack thereof, has become a focal point of criticism, with accusations of partisan bias and a failure to maintain law and order.
Amidst this escalating conflict, Davido, a globally recognized musician with strong ties to Osun State, has emerged as a vocal critic of the state’s police chief, CP Mohammed Abba, also known as Umar Abba. Using his substantial social media presence, Davido accused the commissioner of dereliction of duty and bias towards the APC. In a series of impassioned posts on X (formerly Twitter), he lambasted Abba, accusing him of disregarding the rule of law and failing to prevent the violent clashes. Davido’s posts, written in a mix of English and Nigerian Pidgin, expressed his outrage and frustration, warning the commissioner of consequences and challenging him to take action.
Davido’s intervention highlights the increasing politicization of the security apparatus and the erosion of public trust in law enforcement. His public condemnation of the police commissioner underscores the gravity of the situation and reflects a growing concern among citizens about the perceived impartiality of security forces. This outspoken criticism from a prominent figure like Davido is likely to further amplify the pressure on the police and the government to address the escalating crisis and ensure the rule of law is upheld. It also adds a new dimension to the conflict, potentially galvanizing public opinion and increasing scrutiny of the actions of both political actors and law enforcement.
The situation in Osun State remains tense and volatile, with the potential for further unrest. The clash between the PDP and the APC over the local government chairmanships has created a dangerous power vacuum, further complicated by accusations of political interference in the police force. Davido’s public condemnation of the police commissioner, while highlighting the urgency of the situation, also underscores the deep-seated mistrust and frustration felt by many citizens. The resolution of this crisis requires a commitment from all parties to uphold the rule of law, respect judicial processes, and refrain from violence. It also necessitates impartial action from law enforcement to restore order and maintain peace, thereby safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in Osun State.
