Don’t Politicize Esa-Oke Killing – APC Warns Adeleke

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, have rejected attempts to link the party and its leaders to the killing of an Accord Party member, Ajayi Rogba.

Rogba, an indigene of Esa-Oke, was reportedly murdered on Tuesday night by suspected thugs, an incident that has generated tension and political reactions in the community.

Naija News reports that the controversy followed a condolence visit by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to the family of the deceased on Wednesday, during which he reportedly suggested that the killing was carried out by thugs loyal to the APC.

Adeleke was also said to have criticised the Director-General of the APC campaign council for the August 15 governorship election, Wole Oke, who represents the area in the House of Representatives, while calling on security agencies to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Esa-Oke on Friday, Prof. Siji Olamiju, who spoke on behalf of APC members in the area, described attempts to politicise Rogba’s death as insensitive and dangerous.

He said the killing should be treated as a criminal matter and not reduced to partisan propaganda.

“APC members in Ward 7, Esa-Oke, consider it necessary to address the growing attempts by some political actors to exploit this tragedy for partisan purposes.

“We are particularly concerned that certain individuals have hastily linked this unfortunate incident to politics without allowing the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to conclude their investigations,” Olamiju said.

Olamiju said justice could only be achieved through a credible and professional investigation, rather than speculation or public accusations.

According to him, political actors must refrain from making statements capable of prejudicing the work of security agencies.

“Justice can only be achieved through a thorough, impartial and professional investigation, not through speculation, political rhetoric or media trials,” he added.

He urged Governor Adeleke and other public officeholders to exercise restraint and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties independently.

“We respectfully urge His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and all public office holders to exercise restraint and allow law enforcement agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibilities independently and without interference or premature conclusions,” he said.

The APC chieftain also dismissed allegations linking Oke or the party to the killing, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.

He maintained that there was no credible evidence connecting the lawmaker, the APC or any of its leaders to the crime.

Olamiju said the party would not support criminality in any form and was only demanding that the truth be established through due process.

“The APC remains committed to the rule of law, justice and accountability,” he stated.

“We firmly maintain that whoever is found culpable after a lawful and impartial investigation, regardless of political affiliation, social status or influence, must face the full weight of the law.”

Olamiju appealed to security agencies to conduct a comprehensive, transparent and unbiased investigation into the killing.

He said the memory of the deceased would be better honoured if political stakeholders allowed truth, justice and due process to prevail over unverified allegations.

He also called on residents of Esa-Oke and political actors across Osun State to remain calm and avoid comments or actions that could worsen tension in the community.