“No political ambition justifies bloodshed” — Oyetola condemns Osun killings

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has condemned the escalating post-election violence and loss of lives in parts of Osun State, urging the police and other security agencies to act decisively to restore peace and protect residents.

Mr Oyetola made the call in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, on Tuesday, describing the attacks as a grave assault on the peace, heritage and democratic values of the people of Osun State.

Mr Oyetola said no political ambition or commercial interest could justify the loss of human lives, urging political actors and other stakeholders to reject violence and embrace dialogue in resolving disputes.

“Politics must be a vehicle for development, not a catalyst for bloodshed,” he said.

The former governor’s statement comes amid accusations between political actors over the violence.

He also condoled with the families of those killed in the violence and expressed concern over the growing insecurity in affected communities.

Tasks police, security agencies

Mr Oyetola charged the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies to take decisive action to restore order and protect residents, particularly in areas affected by the unrest.

He urged the authorities to deploy adequate personnel to volatile locations, reclaim public spaces from hoodlums and ensure that those responsible for killings and other acts of violence are swiftly arrested and brought to justice.

The former governor stressed that security agencies must act to prevent further escalation and restore confidence among residents.

Calls for peace and restraint

Mr Oyetola appealed to residents across Osun State to prioritise peace and exercise restraint, warning that the state’s progress and prosperity must not be sacrificed for political or commercial interests.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the peace, security and development of Osun, urging residents to work together to preserve the state’s reputation for civility, enterprise and democratic values.

Political parties trade accusations

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) accused the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke of aiding suspected hoodlums allegedly responsible for violent attacks in Ikire on Monday.

The APC Media Cluster Chairman, Oluwafunsho Fagbohungbe, alleged that the crisis began when suspected hoodlums allegedly working for the Accord Party launched a violent assault to forcefully take over a motor park.

However, the Osun State Accord Party Chairman, Victor Akande, rejected the allegation and accused the Divisional Police Officer of the Irewole Division, Bamidele Olatona, of allegedly orchestrating the mayhem.

Mr Akande alleged that there was no crisis or conflict at the park before the DPO allegedly opened fire, accusing him of acting unprofessionally and without provocation.

The competing allegations have further heightened concerns over the security situation in the state.

Security concerns after election

The violence comes in the aftermath of the Osun governorship election and has raised fresh concerns about the ability of security agencies and political actors to prevent post-election tensions from escalating into wider violence.

For residents, the immediate concern is the protection of lives and property, while authorities face pressure to investigate the reported killings, identify those responsible and ensure accountability.

Mr Oyetola’s intervention therefore places renewed emphasis on the need for security agencies to act impartially, protect vulnerable communities and prevent political disagreements from translating into violence.