The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi over a viral comment in which he appeared to tell supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “kill” members of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The invitation followed widespread outrage over remarks allegedly made by Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, during an APC campaign event in Ilesa on Tuesday. The comments have raised fresh concerns over inflammatory political rhetoric ahead of the poll.
In a letter dated August 11, Commissioner of Police Elections in Osun, Samuel Etaifo Erale, directed the senator to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo at 11am on Wednesday, August 12.
Police said the invitation was intended to allow Fadahunsi to explain the circumstances surrounding the remarks. The command said it had received information alleging that the statements were threatening, inciting and intimidating, adding that the video had circulated widely across electronic and social media platforms.
A video of the senator speaking in Yoruba showed him telling supporters to “kill” Accord members and claiming to authorise such action. The remarks triggered a backlash online, forcing Fadahunsi’s camp to issue a clarification.
His team said the senator’s words had been misunderstood and were intended as a political metaphor. It said Fadahunsi was calling on APC supporters to defeat the Accord Party overwhelmingly through their votes, rather than through violence, during the governorship election.
The controversy comes against an already tense political backdrop in Osun. Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the Accord platform, has repeatedly accused the APC of using political thugs to attack his supporters, allegations the party has disputed.
With the election just days away, the police invitation puts renewed focus on the language being used by political actors and the potential consequences of inflammatory statements. The senator’s appearance before the police could now determine whether the controversial remarks lead to further action ahead of Saturday’s vote.
