Osun Guber: Campaign Councils Trade Accusations Over Alleged Killings of Members

The political atmosphere ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State became more tense on Friday as the governorship campaign councils of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party exchanged accusations over unresolved political killings, with both urging the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene.

The rival campaign organisations made their positions known in separate statements issued during the Inspector-General’s visit to Osun State.

The Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council appealed to the police chief to ensure the arrest and prosecution of individuals declared wanted in connection with the alleged killings of its members.

In a statement signed by its Head of Media and Publicity Committee, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, the council expressed confidence in the Inspector-General’s commitment to professionalism, justice and the rule of law.

The APC campaign urged the police to intensify efforts to apprehend all wanted suspects and conduct a comprehensive review of unresolved murder cases involving its members since 2022.

The council alleged that several party supporters and chieftains were killed in separate attacks across the state and also requested an investigation into the alleged attempted assassination of its Director-General, Hon. Oluwole Oke.

It specifically called for the arrest of Olalekan Oyeyemi, also known as Emir Ajagungbade, Nurudeen Wakili, popularly called Nurudeen Alawonle, Solomon Adefioye, known as Solo Iwara, and Jide Joda, saying they had been declared wanted by the police over various killings involving APC members.

The APC campaign also requested an investigation into allegations linking Senate Minority Leader Lere Oyewumi to the murders of APC chieftains Saheed Oyegunju and Remi Abass, as well as claims that he interfered with police investigations.

Responding, the Imole Campaign Council representing the Accord Party accused the APC of ignoring killings involving its own members and demanded thorough investigations into all reported cases of political violence.

The council also called for the redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, arguing that a new commissioner would inspire greater public confidence ahead of the election.

It further urged the Inspector-General to investigate APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, Wole Oke and Engr. Remi Omowaiye over allegations relating to attacks on Accord members while encouraging supporters to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies.