Tensions have escalated in Osun State following a wave of violent clashes between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The unrest, sparked by a controversial Court of Appeal ruling, has led to the killing of a former chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Mr. Aderemi Abbas, and six others.
Court Ruling Sparks Chaos
The crisis erupted after a disputed court ruling allegedly reinstated APC-elected local government chairmen and councilors. Governor Ademola Adeleke sounded the alarm on Sunday, alleging a conspiracy led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, alongside security agency heads to enforce the ruling. Adeleke urged the public to hold Oyetola and security chiefs accountable for any violence that ensued.
Deadly Clashes Across LGAs
Violence broke out on Monday as rival party supporters clashed across multiple local government secretariats. Graphic footage showed Abbas lying in a pool of blood with a head wound. A security source, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Abbas was killed during a confrontation between APC and PDP members wielding guns and machetes.
Similar scenes unfolded across Boripe, Isokan, Olaoluwa, and Olorunda LGAs, with reports of gunfights, shootings, and casualties. Witnesses described armed men intimidating bystanders, smashing phones of those recording the mayhem.
In Ikoyi, Osun APC members clashed with PDP supporters upon arriving at the Isokan secretariat, leaving two people injured. Meanwhile, in Bode Osi, the headquarters of Olaoluwa LGA, another fatal shooting was reported. In Osogbo, gunshots rang out at the Osogbo Central Local Government secretariat, forcing residents to flee as the road leading to the council premises was deserted.
High-Profile Attacks and Political Accusations
The Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Remi Omowaiye, alleged that his convoy was ambushed by PDP thugs near Ilesa West secretariat. Omowaiye claimed that his driver and security aides sustained injuries, while his convoy vehicles were riddled with bullets.
“These thugs attacked us despite intelligence reports warning us to avoid the area. My office in Ilesa West is under attack,” Omowaiye stated.
IG Orders Reinforcement, Vows Crackdown
Reacting to the bloodshed, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered additional tactical squads to Osun State. Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi condemned the violence, labeling it a threat to democracy and public safety. He assured that perpetrators would be brought to justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate acts that threaten the peace and stability of Osun State. Perpetrators will be tracked down and made to face the law,” Adejobi emphasized.
Casualties and Political Reactions
Former Special Adviser on Education to ex-Governor Oyetola, Jamiu Olawumi, alongside Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal and other party leaders, mourned the deaths of their members, blaming the PDP for orchestrating the attacks.
The Osun PDP, however, accused the APC of launching coordinated assaults with security agents’ backing. PDP spokesperson Oladele Bamiji claimed five PDP members were killed, while over 50 others suffered injuries across Boripe, Olaoluwa, Isokan, and Ilesa West LGAs.
“In Boripe, two PDP members were murdered, while in Olaoluwa, two more lives were lost. APC thugs indiscriminately opened fire at our members, leaving many families devastated,” Bamiji stated.
Osun Assembly, Davido Weigh In
Osun State’s National Assembly caucus accused Minister Gboyega Oyetola of conspiring with security agents to disrupt local government functions, warning that the APC’s actions posed a threat to state stability.
Afrobeat star David Adeleke, aka Davido, also entered the fray, slamming Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, for failing to uphold the rule of law.
“Mr Commissioner, respect the rule of law!!! I will post you every day everywhere,” Davido tweeted, further calling Abba a “disgrace.”
Tensions Mount as Calls for Peace Grow
As political parties continue to trade blame, the situation in Osun remains volatile. The police have vowed to crack down on perpetrators, but fears of further escalation persist. Residents have called for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention to restore lasting peace in the state.