Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has strongly condemned the violent actions of protesters who recently attacked the royal palace in the state, setting it ablaze and injuring the monarch. In a statement issued from his office today, Governor Adeleke called for calm, urging citizens to seek peaceful and lawful means of addressing their grievances.
The protest, which erupted on January 3, 2025, saw protesters storming the palace, vandalizing property, and setting it on fire. Tragically, the monarch, who was inside at the time of the incident, sustained injuries and has since been taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Governor Adeleke expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence, emphasizing that while the right to protest is enshrined in the constitution, it must always be exercised peacefully and within the confines of the law. The Governor also appealed to the protesters to abandon violent tactics and embrace dialogue as a means of resolving disputes.
“This is a dark day for our state. Violence, no matter the reason, cannot be justified. We cannot allow the actions of a few individuals to disrupt the peace and harmony we have worked so hard to build in Osun State. The safety of our people and our cultural institutions, including the revered traditional leadership, must remain our top priority,” Governor Adeleke said in the statement.
He also assured the people of Osun State that the security agencies have been deployed to restore order and ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice. He called on the police and other law enforcement bodies to act swiftly and decisively to prevent further violence.