The former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Mr. Edgar Imohinmi, who was promoted to Commissioner of Police, Lagos State on August 31, 2017, replaces Mr. Fatai Owoseni in a dramatic style.
There was a little confusion over the removal as it was earlier reported in the media that CP Owoseni had been transferred but he debunked the report on the grounds that he was yet to get official notification from the Police Authority. Last August 31, 2017, Owoseni still delivered a paper at a public function in the University of Lagos in his capacity as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police. However, on Friday, September 1, 2017, the media report was confirmed as CP Owoseni urged Police Officers in the state to be loyal to his successor, the new Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Edgal Imohinmi, as he handed over to him.
It was also gathered that CP Imohinmi got the appointment four days after his promotion from Deputy Commissioner of Police to Commissioner of Police. It is of note that Owoseni was reported to have been transferred some months ago but that seemed to be false as he remained Lagos CP until September 1. However, it was speculated that he was actually transferred then but the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibajo, who was the Acting President, stepped in and gave his stay put order. But the return of the President from London precipitated his transfer to the Police Headquarters, Abuja.
According to Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Mr. Olarinde Famous-Cole, Mr. Fatai Owoseni is now Commissioner of Police in charge of administration at the Police Headquarters, Abuja. Meanwhile, many believe Owoseni’s transfer was a promotion based on his diligence and commitment to service. Several other people believe that his replacement by CP Edgal Imohinmi was due to the role the new Lagos State CP played in the arrest of an alleged Badoo sponsor in Ikorodu, Alhaji Abayomi Alaka, whom many people in Ikorodu known as Otupopo.
It would be recalled that the new CP, then as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, along with his men on Monday July 31, 2017, uncovered a shrine at Ota-Ikosi, which was believed to be owned by the Badoo Cult. People of Ikorodu may not easily forget the laudable and proactive roles CP Owoseni played towards eradicating the Badoo attacks, which included his several engagements with traditional rulers, chiefs, religious leaders, CDCs, CDAs and many other residents and groups.
Standing out among his roles were the two days marathon meetings in Ikorodu from Tuesday, August 1, 2017 to Wednesday, August 2. After the meetings with traditional rulers, chiefs, religious leaders and other stakeholders at the Ayangbure Palace on Tuesday, he proceeded with his men to Ibeshe the following morning, where he had a security meeting with the people of the town for several hours.
Owoseni would also be remembered for his enlightenment of Ikorodu residents to shun Jungle justice, embrace the rule of law and see the Police as their reliable and trusted friends. However, the new Lagos Commissioner of Police has visited the Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who told him to face the enormous tasks ahead squarely. He also led his men to Ikorodu on Thursday, September 7, 2017, where he addressed the people at a Town Hall meeting in Ikorodu Town Hall. He assured them, including traditional rulers, representatives of government and other stakeholders that Ikorodu would be peaceful and safer for them.