Tensions Boil in Osun as Motor Parks Seized in Alleged APC-Linked Takeover Ahead of Governorship Poll

Tensions are escalating rapidly in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, as violent takeovers of key motor parks fuel fears of a sinister plot to rig the fast-approaching state governorship elections.

Witnesses reported that early this afternoon, Fakunle Garage and Ibadan Garage amongst others in the state Capital were violently overrun by factions allegedly loyal to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in a move that many believe is designed to control the movement of election materials.

Accusing fingers are pointing squarely at Alhaji Kaseem Oyewale, also known as Asiri Eliba, a former Branch Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW at the Popular Old Garage Motor Park of Osogbo, who is said to be behind the coordinated seizure of the parks in Osogbo.

While Aregbe Garage and Olaiya Garage remain functional for now, the Old Garage was described as ghostly and devoid of usual activity, with heavy security presence marking the event at strategic locations.

Many political observers suggest that the brazen takeover is directly linked to feelers that most of the park leadership favoured the incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party.

Theories are rife that the seizures are a strategic precursor to a master rigging plan, as commercial vehicles from these parks are typically used to transport election materials to polling units across the state during elections.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Osun State Police Command has stepped in, confirming that normalcy has been restored following a protest by a faction of the NURTW which degenerated into clashes on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the protest was triggered after members of a faction alleged that their vehicles were prevented from entering motor parks by a rival dominant faction.

The disagreement escalated into clashes, disrupting public peace and commercial activities in parts of the state capital.

The Command said it swiftly responded to a distress call on the incident and used minimal force to disperse the protesters. Officers have since been deployed to motor parks across the state to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, called on leaders and members of the warring factions to cease all hostilities and embrace dialogue as a means of resolving their grievances.

“He urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid actions or utterances capable of escalating tensions, pending the determination of park management by relevant authorities,” the statement read.

CP Gotan assured that the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, warning that anyone found culpable of violence or other criminal acts will face the full wrath of the law.

He further advised members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful duties without fear, and support security agencies with credible information, while refraining from spreading unverified reports capable of causing panic.

However, eyewitness accounts and reports from the scene indicate a more troubling dimension to the police intervention.

Sources claim that police officers were seen arresting members of the Amotekun corps who were guarding some of the parks, while the factional leader, Asiri Eliba, and his men were allowed to consolidate their hold on the facilities. This has sparked fresh outrage among locals and civil society groups, who view the arrests as a partisan move that compromises the neutrality of security agencies ahead of the crucial election.

As the governorship election draws nearer, the unfolding events in Osogbo have heightened anxiety over the credibility of the electoral process, with many citizens fearing that the violent park takeovers are a deliberate attempt to undermine the will of the people and impose a predetermined outcome through the manipulation of logistics and voter suppression.