The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned alleged attacks on its members and supporters in Iree, Boripe Local Government Area, following the declaration of Governor Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the August 15 governorship election.
The party made the allegation in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, on Wednesday.
According to the APC, suspected supporters of the Accord Party attacked its members in the community following the announcement of the election results.
The party alleged that at least 10 of its members and supporters sustained critical injuries, while several properties were reportedly destroyed during the incidents.
It identified some of the alleged victims as Ige Kayode, Oyeniyi Segun, Oladosu Yinka, Sobalaje Ibraheem and Peter Korede Adejare.
The APC said the affected individuals had been receiving treatment at hospitals in Iree and neighbouring communities since Sunday.
“The attacks followed the announcement of the governorship election results. The major motor park in Iree was allegedly demolished while some business premises belonging to its members were also attacked,” the statement said.
The party further alleged that a viral video showed the Aree of Iree, Oba Muritala Oyelakin, questioning one of the alleged victims at his residence.
The APC said a petition submitted by counsel to the affected members, Abiodun Olaide, had been forwarded to the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibraheem Gotan, over the alleged attacks.
The party also accused Gbadamosi Ibraheem, popularly known as Gbedu Lasisi Oyekanmi Bintin Laye, and other suspects who are allegedly at large of being responsible for the attacks.
The allegations have not been independently established, and the accused persons have not been reported to have publicly responded to the claims.
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The APC also recalled an earlier visit by the traditional ruler to Governor Adeleke before the election.
According to the party, the monarch had expressed confidence during the visit that Adeleke would secure an overwhelming victory in Iree.
The APC further alleged that Oba Oyelakin had stated that residents of Iree had endorsed Adeleke for a second term.
The community’s APC chapter subsequently rejected the alleged endorsement, according to the party.
The APC claimed that some of its members who were allegedly attacked were later taken to the traditional ruler’s palace for questioning.
The party further alleged that the individuals were pressured to implicate some APC leaders in matters they allegedly had no knowledge of.
The APC called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to investigate the allegations and bring anyone found responsible to justice.
It also urged the authorities to take steps to protect residents and prevent further incidents of political violence in the community.
The party warned that political disagreements should not be allowed to escalate into attacks against individuals, destruction of property or disruption of people’s livelihoods.
“Political differences must not become a justification for violence, intimidation or the destruction of means of livelihoods of the people,” the APC said.
The allegations come as political tensions remain high in parts of Osun State following the closely contested governorship election.
With the election now concluded, security agencies and political stakeholders are under increasing pressure to prevent post-election disputes from developing into violence and to ensure that residents can return to their normal activities without fear or intimidation.
