Photos: Call Oyetola, Oyebamiji To Order, Adeleke Tells Tinubu Over Osun Attacks

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has accused political thugs loyal to the AMBO political movement of carrying out coordinated attacks in parts of the state, alleging that several residents were injured while some persons were feared killed.

The governor condemned the attacks, which he said occurred in Ile-Ife, Ede and Osogbo on Tuesday, and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene by cautioning the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, and the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Naija News reports that Adeleke made the allegations during an emergency press briefing at the Government House, Osogbo.

According to the governor, the attacks began in Ile-Ife before spreading to Akoda, Owode, Olaiya, Old Garage, Okefia and other parts of Osogbo.

He alleged that the attackers moved around in a convoy of 15 vehicles branded with AMBO campaign materials without any intervention from security operatives.

“As at the time of calling this press conference, several residents were feared injured and even one or two people killed. The attackers are led by thugs known as Aleba and Asiri,” Adeleke said.

“Worst still, the state police command has not raised a finger to stop the attacks or arrest the attackers. These attacks are outrageous, unprovoked and a deliberate step to plunge the state into chaos.”

The governor accused Oyetola and Oyebamiji of playing what he described as destabilising roles in the escalating political tension in the state.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the destabilising roles of Marine Minister, Gboyega Oyetola and the Osun APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. The provocation is getting to an unbearable level. For the past few months, I have been calming my people to maintain peace despite persistent attacks,” he said.

He also referenced recent incidents involving members of the Accord Party, alleging that political violence had become a growing concern in the state.

“Just a month or so ago, a youth leader of Accord was killed at Ikire. A few days ago, the Osogbo chairman of Accord was shot at Osogbo. These attacks must stop. Our people should not be pushed to the wall,” he added.

Adeleke called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security chiefs to pay special attention to developments in Osun State.

“I call on the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of DSS and other top security officials to shine a special light on Osun State.

“I appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Mr Oyetola and Oyebamiji to order,” the governor said.

Following the briefing, Adeleke visited several flashpoints and hospitals where victims of the attacks were receiving treatment.

He first visited the Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he met with injured victims, their families and medical personnel.

The governor also paid a solidarity visit to the Chairman of Accord in Osogbo Local Government Area, who was reportedly attacked last week by suspected assailants.

He later proceeded to the Cottage Hospital in Ede to meet additional victims receiving treatment.

Expressing sympathy with those affected, Adeleke assured them that the state government would stand by them and ensure that justice is served.

The governor described the attacks as unfortunate and inconsistent with Osun’s reputation as a peaceful state.

“I am deeply saddened by the reports and the injuries inflicted on innocent citizens. No political ambition is worth the blood or suffering of our people,” he said.

“Osun remains a peaceful state and we will not allow any individual or group to disrupt the peace that our people have worked hard to sustain.”

Adeleke reiterated that political disagreements should never degenerate into violence, intimidation or attacks on innocent citizens.

The governor directed security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incidents and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice, regardless of their political affiliations.

He also disclosed that additional security measures were being deployed to vulnerable areas across the state to forestall further violence.

Adeleke urged political actors to caution their supporters and avoid actions capable of undermining public peace and democratic stability.

He further appealed to residents to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperative with security agencies as investigations continue, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.