The political atmosphere in Osun State took a dramatic turn on Wednesday after the Nigeria Police Force confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, alongside five other individuals over allegations linked to vote buying and other suspected electoral offences ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.
According to the Osun State Police Command, the arrests followed an intelligence driven operation carried out at a residential property associated with the SSG in the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo. Police said the operation was initially launched to apprehend a wanted suspect believed to be hiding at the location, but investigators also recovered items that have now widened the scope of the investigation to include possible violations of the Electoral Act.
The police disclosed that operatives recovered ₦4.81 million in cash, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register containing details from Wards 1 to 15 in Osogbo Local Government Area, a Dynabook laptop, a printer and photocopying equipment. Authorities said the recovered materials have been secured for forensic examination as investigators work to determine whether they were intended for unlawful electoral activities.
Aside from Igbalaye, the police identified the other suspects as Taiwo Akande, Lukman Adeyemo, Muftau Olaoye, Musiliu Aderemi and Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa.” According to the police, Arowomole had already been on the command’s watch list over alleged involvement in serious criminal offences, including murder, and his presence at the property formed part of the reason for the operation.
Police spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, stated that investigators are examining possible offences including voter bribery, criminal conspiracy and harbouring a wanted suspect. He stressed that the allegations are serious because they have implications for public confidence in the electoral process and the administration of justice.
The command assured residents that investigations would be conducted professionally and without political interference, adding that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law. It also urged members of the public to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information capable of preventing electoral violence before, during and after the governorship poll.
The arrests have, however, sparked an immediate reaction from the Osun State Government, which strongly condemned the police operation. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government described the raid as unlawful and politically motivated.
According to the state government, the Secretary to the State Government was not at his residence when the operation took place. Officials maintained that Igbalaye was attending a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission at the time security operatives carried out the search. The government also claimed that ward officials were holding a legitimate political meeting within the premises and denied any wrongdoing.
The state administration further alleged that the raid was part of a broader pattern of intimidation directed at senior government officials ahead of the election. It accused security agencies of targeting members of the state government and called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser and other relevant authorities to ensure that security agencies remain neutral throughout the election period.
The latest development has intensified political tensions in Osun State as political parties continue preparations for what is expected to be one of the country’s most closely watched governorship elections. Election observers have repeatedly warned against vote buying, voter intimidation and electoral violence, urging all stakeholders to respect democratic principles and allow voters to exercise their rights freely.
Vote buying has remained one of the biggest challenges confronting elections in Nigeria despite repeated warnings from the Independent National Electoral Commission and anti corruption agencies. Civil society organisations have consistently called for stricter enforcement of electoral laws, arguing that financial inducement undermines the credibility of elections and weakens public trust in democratic institutions.
Political analysts believe the outcome of the ongoing investigation could have significant implications for the campaigns leading to the August 15 governorship election. However, they also note that the allegations remain under investigation and that all suspects are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in a court of law.
As investigations continue, the Nigeria Police Force says it remains committed to ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process in Osun State. Security has already been strengthened across strategic locations, while residents have been encouraged to remain law abiding and avoid actions capable of disrupting public peace.
The arrest of such high profile political figures has added another layer of uncertainty to an already heated election season. With campaigns entering their final phase, attention will now shift to the outcome of the police investigation and any legal proceedings that may follow, as Nigerians closely monitor developments in one of the country’s most politically significant states.
