The First Lady of Osun State, Titilola Adeleke, on Monday led a protest involving women across the state against alleged indiscriminate arrests and rising violence ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The protest, which featured women from various trader and artisan groups, began along the Osogbo-Ilobu Road and ended near the Osun State Police Command on the West Bypass.

Also present at the demonstration were the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ayobola Awolowo and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Market Affairs, Eniola Omotosho, among others protesters. Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Election is not war,” “Stop indiscriminate arrest of our husbands,” “We want a free and fair election,” and “Police must be neutral,” the protesters were stopped from gaining access to the main entrance of the police command.

However, they were addressed by the Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Samuel Etaifo, who assured them that their concerns would be reviewed.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Adeleke said the demonstration was aimed at demanding a peaceful and credible electoral process. She called on the police to invite certain chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for questioning over alleged involvement in violent incidents.

“We are demanding a free and fair election. We want peace in Osun State. Those responsible for violence should be invited and made to sign undertakings. Reports indicate that some of our leaders may be targeted for arrest this week,” she said.

She further alleged that a state commissioner had recently been arrested and mistreated, describing the incident as unacceptable. Adeleke subsequently presented a formal letter outlining the group’s demands to the police.

In his response, Etaifo stated that the command had made efforts to reduce tension in the state and emphasized the need to maintain peace ahead of the election.

“I have been in the state for the past two weeks, working to stabilise the security situation. While we acknowledge your concerns, actions that could escalate tension must be avoided,” he said.

He warned that the police would not tolerate any activity capable of disrupting the election, adding that offenders would be arrested and possibly transferred to Abuja for prosecution.

“This election must be conducted in a secure environment. Anyone found violating the law or attempting to manipulate the process will face the full weight of the law,” he added.

Etaifo commended the protesters for maintaining a peaceful approach but advised them to disperse to prevent any potential security breaches, assuring them of police protection as they returned to their starting point.