OSOGBO, NIGERIA — Tensions have reached a boiling point in Osun State following explosive allegations from Afrobeats icon David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, and senior state officials claiming active security blockades designed to disrupt freedom of movement and prevent key figures from voting.


The multi-award-winning artist raised nationwide concern after revealing that military personnel attempted to restrict his entry into Osun State, where he has been actively campaigning for his uncle, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the governorship race.


Shortly after Davido's statement, reports surfaced that the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly was heavily surrounded by police operatives at his residence, allegedly preventing him from stepping out to cast his vote at his designated polling unit.


Dual Security Siege: Military Checkpoints and Residence Siege

According to reports from the field and social media updates from the affected parties:


  • Davido’s Border Standoff: Heavy military barricades stationed along key entry points into Osun State reportedly intercepted Davido's convoy. "Soldiers trying to block me from entering Osun," the singer posted, sparking swift backlash on social media regarding potential voter intimidation and travel restrictions.
  • Police Lockdown on Osun Speaker: In a simultaneous development, armed police personnel reportedly laid siege to the official residence of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly. Reports indicate that multiple tactical police trucks blocked the entrance gate, effectively placing the Speaker under informal house arrest and preventing him from accessing his polling unit to exercise his civic duty.



PDP Denounces Targeted Intimidation; Security Forces Respond

The PDP Campaign Council and civil rights observers have condemned the heavy-handed security presence, describing it as a coordinated effort by security agencies to disenfranchise high-profile opposition leaders and key government officials.


"Restricting the movement of key political figures and preventing the head of the legislature from casting his vote is an assault on our democracy," a campaign spokesperson stated, calling on the Inspector-General of Police and top military commanders to immediately pull back personnel.


Security chiefs, however, maintain that the massive deployment across Osun State—involving the Nigerian Police, Army, and NSCDC—is aimed strictly at maintaining law and order, curbing electoral violence, and preventing the infiltration of armed political thugs.

Atmosphere Ahead of the Polls

Despite the heavy security cordons, reports confirm that Davido eventually negotiated passage into the state. Meanwhile, local electoral monitoring groups continue to track the standoff surrounding the Assembly Speaker's residence.


With voting underway across Osun State's local government areas, international and domestic election observers are urging security forces to maintain strict neutrality and guarantee every citizen's constitutional right to vote without fear of harassment or unlawful restriction.