Osun Speaker Escapes Assassination Attempt, Recounts Ordeal

The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, in the early hours of Wednesday escaped an alleged assassination attempt by some unidentified assailants, at his house in Ilesa area of the state.

Naija News reports that the lawmaker while speaking to newsmen at the All Progressives Congress Ilesa East local government party secretariat, said the prompt intervention of the security men aborted the mission of the assailants.

Owoeye accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of sponsoring the attack as he expressed concern over rising cases of violent attacks in the state.

While calling on the police to investigate the matter with a view to bringing to book the perpetrators, the lawmaker said the security men should also look into the gruesome murder cases in the state.

He said: “In the early hours of today, (Wednesday) 22 February, an assassination attempt was made on my life. If not for divine providence, the story would have been different. I want to salute the security men who stood their ground to prevent my assailants from carrying out their aim.

“This attack was also extended to the businesses of Hon. Adewale Adedoyin, the honourable member representing llesa West State Constituency, and Hon. Folarin Fafowora, the immediate past Chairman of llesa West Central LCDA. These businesses which contribute to the economic development of the town were destroyed in the well-coordinated attack.

“The recent happenings in Osun are becoming worrisome and need proper attention from every well-meaning citizen. The return of political thuggery after about 12 years of the All Progressives Congress APC administration in the state now gives residents and citizens sleepless nights.

“It will not be wrong to say that the change of baton in the government in the state has encouraged the return to the dark era when citizens cannot sleep with their two eyes closed.

“I, therefore, call on the police to investigate the assassination attempt on my life, the gruesome murder of Alaro and others to ensure that those involved are brought to justice.”

PDP Reacts

Osun Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Director of Media and Publicity, Olabamiji Oladele, in a statement, said Owoeye is not saying the truth.

According to Oladele, three PDP members were shot in Ilesa shortly after Adeleke concluded a campaign rally in the town on Tuesday by APC thugs.

He said the Speaker should condemn the incident, adding that human life should not be used to solve any political issue.

He said: “The Speaker to me is not saying the truth and I believe with his exalted position in the state, he should be at the forefront of ensuring peace among our people no matter the party colouration.

“Just yesterday, three members of the PDP were shot by the APC thugs just to cause unnecessary apprehension and whatever you want to achieve in politics, I think human life should not be used to solve any political issue. We condemn that in totality.”