Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised alarm over what he described as rising political tension and attacks in the state ahead of the governorship election, calling on peace leaders and security authorities to intervene.
The governor said his administration, party members and supporters had been subjected to what he described as sustained attacks, intimidation and harassment in recent months, warning that the situation could undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.
Adeleke made the allegations on Thursday, at a peace summit on the Osun governorship election, where he said he attended despite earlier considering a boycott over the alleged violence in the state.
The governor said his decision to participate was based on his respect for the peace leaders present, adding that the purpose of the gathering was to promote peace.
According to him, however, Osun was facing police-sanctioned violence and intimidation, alleging that the Osun All Progressive Congress (APC) and the state Police Command were involved in actions against his supporters.
“My government and people are facing police sanctioned violence and intimidation. War is being waged actively against my people by Osun APC openly supported by the Osun State Police Command,” Adeleke alleged.
He urged the peace leaders to intervene and prevent further escalation ahead of the election.
Adeleke alleged that eight members of his party had been killed and more than 20 others injured in gun attacks within the last three months.
He claimed that no arrests or prosecutions had been recorded over the incidents, alleging that the perpetrators were known Osun APC members who carried out the attacks in the presence of security personnel.
“There is no single prosecution or active arrest till date. The perpetrators are known Osun APC thugs with crimes committed in the presence of the police. Video evidence is everywhere on the internet,” he said.
The governor also alleged that more than 60 Accord Party members were in police custody without being charged to court.
He further claimed that the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, was arrested on what he called “trumped-up charges” and detained overnight after his residence was searched without a court-authorised warrant.
Adeleke alleged that several government officials and party leaders had been subjected to harassment and intimidation.
He claimed that more than 60 Accord Party leaders had been arrested, moved to Abuja and remanded in correctional facilities in Abuja and Nasarawa State, including an Accord candidate for the House of Representatives, Hon. Alaba.
Questioning the movement of suspects outside the state, the governor asked why those arrested were taken to Abuja when courts were available in Osun State.
“This is supposed to be a democracy, where the police uphold the rule of law. Under which law can a state police commissioner take instructions from Mr Gboyega Oyetola to arrest Accord Party members in Osun State and move them to Abuja and be held in prisons without any charge?” he asked.
Adeleke appealed to the peace committee to prevail on the Inspector-General of Police to return those in police custody to Osun State and ensure that anyone accused of wrongdoing is charged before courts within the state.
“Those remanded in prisons should be returned to Osun State, and be charged to courts in Osun State, if the police can show that they have committed any crime,” he said.
The governor also alleged that a leader of APC thugs linked to previous attacks was recently assisted by the police to take control of garages and motor parks across Osun State.
He claimed there was an active plan to cause violence before, during and after the election.
“There is an active plot to kill and maim Osun people before, during and after Osun elections,” Adeleke said.
He called on the peace leaders to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop the activities of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, the Osun APC and the state Commissioner of Police.
Adeleke also demanded an end to what he called an “unholy alliance” between the police, APC and suspected political thugs.
The governor urged the police to emulate other security agencies which he said had remained professional, calling for impartial policing ahead of the election.
“We seek free and fair polls where people’s will should be supreme,” he said.
He warned that Osun people would resist any attempt to manipulate the election, while stressing that his supporters had refused to retaliate despite the alleged attacks.
“So far, we have refused to retaliate. My people have not resorted to self-help. This is not out of weakness but due to our firm belief in the rule of law,” he said.
Adeleke said his administration remained committed to peace but described the current situation as “a peace of the graveyard.”
He said Osun residents were prepared for the August 15 governorship election, demanding impartial policing, a credible electoral process and respect for voters’ choice.
“Our request is for impartial policing, a fair and just electoral commission and supremacy of voters’ will at the polls