Osun First Lady Leads Women Protest Against Election Violence

Osun State First Lady Titilola Adeleke led women through Osogbo on Monday to protest alleged arrests, intimidation and political violence ahead of the governorship election.

The march began around the Osogbo-Ilobu Road and ended near the Osun State Police Command, where the protesters submitted their concerns to the police team assigned to election duties.

The women carried placards calling for a peaceful poll, police neutrality and an end to violence before the August 15 vote. Some of the protesters were traders and artisans, while state officials including the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ayobola Awolowo, also joined the march.

Adeleke asked the police to act against rising tension in the state and alleged that some political figures were planning arrests of government supporters before the election.

Vanguard reported that the protesters submitted a letter to CP Samuel Etaifo, the commissioner assigned to election duties. Punch reported that Etaifo assured the women that their concerns would be addressed.

Daily Post reported that the protesters also asked President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to protect voters and ensure residents can vote without fear.

The protest comes days after security agencies and political parties intensified preparations for the poll, with several reports of rival claims and accusations in the final week of campaigning.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard, Daily Post