Adeleke camp demands probe into Osun political violence
The spokesperson for The Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi
The Imole Campaign Council has called on the National Human Rights Commission to urgently investigate the killings, shootings, attacks and destruction of property allegedly linked to political activities in Esa Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State.
The call followed renewed tension in the community after the reported killing of Dele Ayegbo, identified as a nephew of the All Progressives Congress governorship campaign Director-General, Wole Oke, on Wednesday night.
In a petition dated August 13, 2026, and signed by legal practitioner and spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council urged the NHRC to constitute an independent panel of inquiry into political violence in Esa Oke.
The petition said the latest killing should be investigated alongside the June 23 killing of Ajayi Aderogba, popularly known as “Rogba”, an Accord Party supporter who was reportedly shot dead in the community.
“The killing of any resident of Esa Oke, whether a member of Accord, APC or any other political party, is unacceptable and demands a thorough, independent and impartial investigation,” the petition stated.
The council said it was particularly concerned about allegations surrounding Aderogba’s death and the competing political claims that followed it.
It noted that Wole Oke and representatives of the APC had denied involvement in the killing and had called for an impartial investigation.
“It is precisely because of these competing accounts that an independent investigation by the National Human Rights Commission has become imperative,” the petition stated.
On the killing of Ayegbo, the council condemned the incident and rejected attempts to assign responsibility without an independent investigation.
“I condemn the killing of Mr. Ayegbo completely and without reservation,” Olajengbesi said in the petition, adding that “nobody should be murdered because of politics, and nobody responsible for murder should be protected because of political affiliation.”
The petition also asked the NHRC to investigate allegations of political incitement and examine statements attributed to political actors during the campaign. Osun poll: Accord candidate to drag Fadahunsi before ICC, US, UK Court gives police two weeks to probe Osun senator over ‘kill Accord’ comment Election violence, vote buying eroding Nigerians’ confidence — NOA
It specifically requested that the Commission obtain and examine audiovisual recordings of alleged inflammatory remarks, establish their context and determine whether they were capable of encouraging or emboldening political violence.
The council further urged the Commission to investigate the response of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to previous complaints, including whether suspects identified by victims or witnesses had been arrested, questioned, released or prosecuted.
According to the petition, the investigation should cover “all politically connected killings in Esa Oke within the relevant period,” as well as reported shootings, assaults, injuries, intimidation, invasions of homes, vandalism and destruction of residential, commercial and political properties.
The council called for a Special Independent Panel of Inquiry that would receive evidence from victims, eyewitnesses, families of deceased persons, political parties, community leaders, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
It also asked the NHRC to conduct an urgent fact-finding visit to Esa Oke and the locations where the reported attacks occurred.
Among other recommendations, the council wants anyone against whom credible evidence of criminal responsibility is established to be investigated and prosecuted “irrespective of political affiliation, office or status.”
The petition also called for appropriate compensation and remedies for victims and families whose rights are found to have been violated, as well as immediate security measures to protect residents during the remaining election period.
The council said its demand was not intended to shield members of any political party from accountability.
“This petition is not made in support of any political party,” it stated. “It is a call for the protection of human life, the establishment of the truth and accountability for those responsible for violence, irrespective of their political affiliation, status or connections.”
The call comes amid heightened concern over election-related violence in Osun State. Recent reports have documented competing accusations between political parties following the Esa Oke killing, while Governor Ademola Adeleke has also condemned the violence and destruction of property in the community.
The petition urged the NHRC to treat the matter as urgent, warning that failure to intervene could result in further deaths and retaliatory violence.
Gilbert Ekugbe
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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