APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji has conceded victory to Governor Ademola Adeleke in the August 15 Osun governorship election and called for investigations into alleged politically linked killings and attacks on residents and businesses in the state.
Oyebamiji made the call on Saturday while addressing leaders, members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osogbo, 14 days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke the winner of the poll.
He congratulated Adeleke “in the spirit of democracy” but said the governor must use his constitutional authority as the state’s Chief Security Officer to protect residents during the post-election period.
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Oyebamiji specifically requested investigations into the deaths of former Irewole Local Government chairman, Remi Abass; the APC chairman in Atakumosa Local Government Area, Gbenga Ogbara; Dele Ayegbo, nephew of Wole Oke and Director-General of Oyebamiji’s campaign council; and more than 35 other people.
“The senseless killings, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of our party must therefore stop forthwith,” he said.
He also called on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and prosecute anyone found responsible.
The APC candidate raised a separate concern over reported attacks on small and medium-sized businesses allegedly linked to the political affiliations of their owners or their refusal to support the Accord Party.
He described such attacks as unacceptable and warned that insecurity could undermine business activity, investment, and employment in Osun.
While acknowledging Adeleke’s electoral victory, Oyebamiji said his party would pursue any grievances arising from the election through lawful and constitutional channels.
He also asked APC supporters not to lose confidence in democratic institutions, directing their attention towards the 2027 general elections.
“We must close ranks, strengthen our structures and work tirelessly to secure incontrovertible victories for Mr President and all our candidates in Osun State,” he said.
Oyebamiji thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support during the election and recognised former governor Bisi Akande and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for their contributions to his campaign and the APC in the state.
INEC declared Adeleke the winner after he secured 511,067 votes on the Accord Party platform, while Oyebamiji polled 444,815 votes for the APC.
Oyebamiji’s call for investigations comes amid separate concerns over violence in Osun, including the August 24 incident at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage Area in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.
Governor Adeleke has since issued an executive order establishing a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry to examine the killings, shootings, injuries, and violence recorded during the Ikire incident.
