Osun Election: Governor Adeleke Condemns Esa-Oke Killing, Orders Heavy Security Deployments | Sahara Reporters

The governor specifically ordered the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has condemned the recent killing in Esa Oke and the subsequent destruction of property, urging security agencies to intensify operations in the area and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The governor also commiserated with the families of the victims of the Esa Oke incident and other victims of recent political violence across the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described the Esa Oke incident as an unfortunate consequence of what he called reckless political incitement.

He consequently directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and security operations in Esa Oke and its environs.

The governor specifically ordered the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.

Adeleke also appealed to political leaders and their supporters across Ijeshaland and Osun State to exercise restraint and avoid actions or statements capable of triggering further 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.

The governor’s comments came amid heightened political tension in Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, with various political actors trading allegations over incidents of violence and intimidation.

Adeleke further expressed sympathy with the families of more than 15 Accord members who, according to him, have reportedly been killed so far.

He also raised concerns over alleged attacks on Accord members in Ikire, claiming that more than 20 homes belonging to members of the party were raided during the night.

“Aside Esa Oke, over 20 homes of Accord members were raided last night at Ikire. Some were illegally arrested while houses of others were vandalised. This is not politics again,” Adeleke said.

The governor called on political opponents to abandon violence and allow the electorate to determine the outcome of the election through the ballot.

“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,” he submitted.

Adeleke urged residents of Esa Oke, Ijeshaland and other parts of Osun State to resist the temptation to engage in attacks or retaliatory actions, warning that such conduct could further worsen the security situation.

He stressed that the election must be conducted peacefully and that voters should be allowed to freely exercise their franchise without fear, intimidation or harassment.

The governor also appealed to political actors across the state to allow peace to reign, warning against the activities of individuals who may seek to exploit political differences to instigate violence.

He maintained that political disagreements should be resolved through democratic processes rather than through attacks, destruction of property or loss of lives.

The governor’s office said the increased security deployment and surveillance in Esa Oke and surrounding communities were intended to help prevent further violence, protect residents and ensure that perpetrators of the reported attacks are brought to justice.

Adeleke reiterated the need for all political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to prioritise peace before, during and after the election.

Previously, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State alleged that Dele Ayegbo, nephew of Wole Oke, the party’s campaign director-general for the state, was shot dead.

A statement on Thursday by Kola Olabisi, spokesperson for Osun APC, said Ayegbo was killed in Esa-Oke, Obokun LGA of the state, on Wednesday night.

Olabisi alleged that Ayegbo was assassinated at a junction close to his house in the Idofin area of the town by suspected hoodlums who rode in a car.

There has been tension ahead of the Saturday election with killings and violence recorded in different parts of Osun State.