The residence of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, was reportedly surrounded by armed security personnel in the early hours of Saturday, with more than 10 black Hilux vehicles said to have been deployed to the premises.
The development was disclosed by the Imole Campaign Council, which alleged that the security operatives had effectively sealed off the residence and prevented people inside from leaving.
The council, through its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said it was unable to immediately ascertain the purpose of the deployment or whether the personnel were providing security or conducting an official operation.
Olajengbesi, in a statement issued in Osogbo on Saturday, urged the relevant security authorities to explain the deployment and the reported restriction of movement at the Speaker’s residence.
“We call on the relevant security agencies to immediately clarify the purpose of this deployment and the reported restriction of movement at the residence,” the statement said.
The campaign council said attempts to contact the Commissioner of Police for the election and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of election security were unsuccessful, while the publicly provided line of the Police Situation Room was reportedly switched off.
The council expressed concern that the development could heighten tension on election day, stressing that residents should be able to participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation.
It said security deployments during the election should reassure voters and safeguard the credibility of the exercise rather than create uncertainty.
“The people of Osun State must be allowed to come out peacefully and decide their future according to their own conscience, without intimidation or interference,” the statement added.
The campaign council urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting an official explanation from the security authorities.:::