Video: Adeleke appeals to Tinubu over alleged violence ahead of Osun poll
Ademola Adeleke
Abdullateef Fowewe
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the alleged political violence and intimidation in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke made the appeal during a campaign rally in Olorunda Local Government Area, where he urged the President to prevent Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, from plunging the state into further crisis.
“Osun is bleeding, and our people will not be intimidated.
“His intervention is needed. The loss of innocent lives in Osun must stop. All we are asking for is simply a free and fair election,” Adeleke said.
The governor accused elements within the All Progressives Congress of being linked to attacks and killings in parts of the state, although the allegations have not been independently established.
The APC has also accused supporters of the Adeleke administration of involvement in political violence, illustrating the escalating blame game between the two major parties.
Adeleke called on Tinubu to act as “the father of the nation” and protect Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the current tension could damage the President’s reputation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Mr. President must act as the father of this nation and help safeguard the democracy he fought for.
“He should not allow his nephew, Mr. Oyetola, to ruin his name and the democracy he fought for along with many others,” he said.
The governor also recalled the political violence that characterised the 1983 elections in the South-West, urging political actors to prevent a recurrence.
“It is our collective prayer that, as a country, may we never witness such incident as the political violence of 1983, particularly in the South-West,” Adeleke said.
He maintained that the people of Osun should be allowed to choose their leaders without fear or intimidation, describing the demand for a peaceful election as a basic democratic right.
Civil society monitors have reported rising election-related violence in Osun.
The Kimpact Development Initiative said it documented 44 violent incidents between October 2025 and June 2026, resulting in 13 fatalities, injuries and property destruction.
The governor’s remarks come amid continuing disputes over local government administration in the state and disagreements concerning the release of federal allocations.
He urged security agencies and political leaders to ensure that the August 15 poll is conducted peacefully and transparently.
