Adeleke Condemns Esa Oke Killing, Orders Heavy Security Deployment, Cautions Against Political Incitement

Governor Ademola Adeleke has condemned the recent killings in Esa Oke and the subsequent destruction of properties, commiserating with the families of the victims and other victims of recent political violence across Osun State.

The Governor has also directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and security operations in Esa Oke and its environs, while ordering the police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.

NAIJAONPOINT report that the All Progressives Congress in Osun had alleged that one Dele Ayegbo, a nephew of its gubernatorial campaign director, was shot dead by “Accord Party hitmen” on Wednesday night.

Addressing the incident in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke described the killing as an unfortunate consequence of reckless political incitement, urging political leaders and their supporters across Ijeshaland and Osun State to refrain from actions and utterances capable of triggering 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.

Governor Adeleke also commiserated with the families of the more than 15 Accord members reportedly killed so far, as well as those whose homes were raided, vandalised or whose members were allegedly illegally arrested in Ikire.

“Aside from 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.

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“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,” the Governor submitted.

Governor Adeleke urged the people of Esa Oke, Ijeshaland and Osun State to resist the temptation of attacks and counter-attacks, stressing that the forthcoming election must be conducted peacefully and that every voter must be allowed to freely cast their ballot.

He called on political actors to allow peace to reign, warning against the activities of politicians who seek to exploit political differences to shed blood.