Osun APC calls for arrest after killing of DG's nephew, parties blame each other

The campaign team of the All Progressives Congress for the Osun governorship election is asking for the arrest of those who killed Oladele Ayegbo. He is the nephew of the campaign council's Director-General, Oluwole Oke.

On Thursday, in Osogbo, the Head of Media and Publicity for the council, Remi Omowaiye, spoke to journalists. He said about 40 APC members have been killed in the state in recent weeks due to extrajudicial actions.

Omowaiye shared details of recent attacks on APC members. He said some suspected hoodlums linked to the Accord Party attacked APC members in Alarere village early Thursday morning.

"Yesterday, (Wednesday) the nephew of the Director-General of our campaign council, Honourable Oluwole Oke, Ayegbo Oladele and Taiwo Oluwadele were shot around Honourable Oluwole Oke’s family compound in Esa-Oke.

"Unfortunately, we lost Ayegbo Oluwadele while Taiwo is still in a very critical condition. Just this morning again, an associate of Honourable Sanya Omirin and three others were attacked. They were shot.

"Those shots were Adebayo Dada’s own was severe. All members of the APC at Atakumasa East were shot at. Others were Idowu Laide, Ebuka Emmanuel, Adebiyi Ebenezer. They were APC members. They were shot at Alarere," Omowaiye said.

He accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of pretending to be a victim. He added, "As I speak, we have lost about 40 of our members, and nothing has been done to stop this."

He continued, "A few days ago in Ilesha, it was alleged that one of the prisoners released by the government was responsible for the killing in Ilesha.

"We were preparing for a rally. There was supposed to be a final rally in Ijesa South, and five people were shot. Four of them died, while one is in critical condition at the Teaching Hospital. One of them is still in the ICU.

"And what was their offence? They were putting on APC caps. Well, one thing we want him to know is that he cannot escape the law, and the wrath of God will come upon Governor Adeleke for killing our people."

In response to these claims, Osun Accord Party spokesperson Oladele Bamiji spoke to our correspondent on Thursday. He dismissed the allegations from the APC and told them to find the real criminals within their party.

Bamiji said, "Our party is peaceful. We have been conducting our campaigns peacefully. There is nothing to warrant all these killings.

"This happened not long after a chieftain of the APC in the state declared war on Accord Party members. We urge the police to do their job and fish out the perpetrators."

Also, Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the killing in Esa-Oke and the damage to properties in a statement obtained in Osogbo. He expressed condolences to the victims' families and others affected by recent political violence.

He said he had ordered security agencies to increase their presence and operations in Esa-Oke and surrounding areas. He also instructed the police to carry out a thorough investigation to catch those responsible.

Adeleke described the incident as a sad result of reckless political incitement. He urged political leaders and their supporters across Ijeshaland and Osun State to avoid actions or statements that could lead to violence.

"We all have families and friends. We should not preach violence. Senator Fadahunsi issued killing directive; the next day, somebody was killed at Esa-Oke, his own zone," the governor said.

He also expressed sympathy for the families of more than 15 Accord members who have reportedly been killed so far. He mentioned those who had their homes raided or vandalized, and others unlawfully arrested in Ikire.

"Aside Esa-Oke, over 20 homes of Accord members were raided last night at Ikire. Some were illegally arrested while houses of others were vandalized. This is not politics again.

"I challenge our opponents to let us fight through the ballot. Since we are practising democracy, we must allow our people to vote. My strength and that of my party is God and the people. We are winning on Saturday," the governor said.

He urged the people of Esa-Oke, Ijeshaland, and Osun State to resist the urge for violence and to ensure the upcoming election is peaceful, allowing every voter to cast their ballot freely.