Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu and security agencies following a wave of violent attacks reported in parts of the state.
The governor accused suspected political thugs of carrying out coordinated attacks in communities including Ile-Ife, Ede and Osogbo, describing the incidents as a threat to peace and democratic governance.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Adeleke strongly condemned the violence and warned against the use of political intimidation and force to pursue electoral ambitions.
“I strongly condemn the coordinated attacks carried out by pro-APC political thugs in Ile-Ife, Ede, Osogbo and other parts of our state earlier today. No political ambition is worth the blood, pain, and suffering of innocent citizens,” the governor said.
Adeleke appealed directly to President Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to intervene swiftly and prevent a further breakdown of law and order.
The governor also called on former Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to caution their supporters and discourage actions capable of escalating tensions across the state.
“I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector General of Police, the DSS, and other security authorities to urgently intervene and call Mr. Gboyega Oyetola and the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and everyone behind these provocations to order before they plunge our dear state into chaos,” he stated.
According to Adeleke, he personally visited some of the affected areas after receiving reports of the attacks. He also met victims receiving treatment at the Osun State Teaching Hospital in Osogbo and the Cottage Hospital in Ede.
The governor further disclosed that he paid a solidarity visit to the chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo, who recently survived a gun attack.
Expressing sympathy for victims and their families, Adeleke assured residents that his administration would not abandon those affected by the violence.
“I sympathise with all victims and their families. My administration will not abandon them in this difficult moment,” he said.
The governor revealed that security agencies had been directed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or status.
He stressed that democracy can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace, dialogue and respect for the rule of law, warning that political disagreements should never degenerate into violence.
Adeleke also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that additional security measures had been deployed to vulnerable areas to safeguard lives and property across the state.
“Political differences must never degenerate into violence, intimidation, or attacks on citizens exercising their constitutional rights. Democracy thrives on dialogue, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law,” he added.
