The Osun State Police Command has invited the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Fadahunsi, over an alleged inciting statement attributed to him.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, who strongly condemned the recent statement attributed to Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, noted that at this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint, promote peace and refrain from making comments capable of heightening tension.
A statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Commissioner of Police had invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement.
It was recalled that the statement attributed to Fadahunsi had generated concerns among stakeholders and members of the public, with the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, calling for the arrest and prosecution of the senator.
The statement read in part: “The CP noted that, at this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint, promote peace, and refrain from making comments capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements put in place for the forthcoming election.
“While reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of democratic values, CP Etaifo emphasised that the Police will not tolerate any act, utterance, or conduct capable of inciting violence, disrupting public peace, or threatening the security of the state.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security.”
Etaifo reiterated that the invitation should not be misconstrued as an act of intimidation, but rather as part of proactive measures aimed at preventing the escalation of tensions and ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and credible governorship election in Osun State.
The Police Commissioner further called on all political actors, their supporters and members of the public to remain law-abiding, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and channel their grievances through lawful means.
According to him, the Command remains committed to maintaining law and order before, during and after the election and urges all stakeholders to place the peace and stability of Osun State above partisan interests.
Speaking, a community leader, Chief Bayo Akanni, who also condemned the statement attributed to the senator, if true, noted that leaders ought to be mindful of their statements because, according to him, whatever they say “carries weight.”
Also, Alhaja Adunni Babatunde said the situation on the ground in Osun meant that statements of such nature could ignite violence, adding that leaders should champion the cause of peace rather than violence.
