Adeleke Urges IGP to Arrest Osun Senator Over Alleged Threat Against Accord Members
OSOGBO – Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to investigate and prosecute Senator Francis Fadahunsi over an alleged threat against members and supporters of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke made the demand amid heightened political tension in the state, following the circulation of a video on social media in which the senator was allegedly heard making comments interpreted as a call for violence against members of the Accord Party.
Fadahunsi represents the Osun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
According to the governor, the video allegedly showed the senator speaking to supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a protest over alleged killings of party members in Ilesa.
Adeleke said the alleged remarks were particularly concerning because of the proximity of the incident to the state’s governorship election, which is scheduled to hold on Saturday.
Adeleke demands police action
Speaking to journalists at the Government House Banquet Hall in Osogbo on Tuesday, Adeleke said the alleged video had raised serious security concerns and should not be treated merely as a political disagreement.
The governor alleged that Fadahunsi’s comments amounted to an incitement against Accord Party leaders, supporters and members of their families.
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Adeleke claimed that the senator allegedly suggested that if Accord Party leaders could not be located, their wives and children should be targeted.
The governor therefore urged the police authorities to immediately investigate the matter and take appropriate legal action if the allegations are established.
According to Adeleke, he had already brought the matter to the attention of the Inspector-General of Police.
He further stated that Disu acknowledged awareness of the video and assured him that the appropriate authorities would take action.
“This is now beyond politics. This is now a national security threat that requires the attention of Mr President through the Office of the National Security Adviser,” Adeleke said.
Governor calls for DSS investigation
Beyond the police investigation, Adeleke also called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to examine the alleged remarks and determine whether they constituted an incitement to violence against residents of Ijesaland and other parts of Osun State.
The governor said security agencies must act quickly to prevent political disagreements from escalating into violence as the state approaches the election.
He also raised concerns about what he described as security operations targeting Accord Party leaders and supporters in different parts of the state.
According to Adeleke, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team had allegedly arrested some Accord Party leaders across several local government areas without sufficient justification.
The governor described the alleged arrests as an attempt to intimidate political opponents and called for an immediate review of the situation.
Adeleke demands fair policing ahead of election
Adeleke further urged the police and other security agencies to maintain neutrality and ensure that all political parties and their supporters are treated fairly before, during and after the election.
He argued that security agencies have a responsibility to protect the democratic process and prevent actions that could undermine voters’ confidence in the election.
The governor called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that law enforcement operations in Osun comply with due process.
“We demand that the IGP enforce due process and fair policing by aborting all anti-people plots against democracy in Osun State,” Adeleke said.
He added that security agencies should operate within the law and remain guided by their professional responsibilities.
“We finally request that the police and other security agencies should act in line with the rule of law and their oath of office before, during and after these coming elections,” he said.
Osun election enters critical stage
The development comes as political activities intensify across Osun State ahead of the governorship election.
The election has attracted significant attention, with political parties and their candidates stepping up campaigns and mobilising supporters across the state.
With the election approaching, concerns about political violence, security operations and the safety of voters have become major issues in the state.
The allegations involving Fadahunsi have consequently added another layer to the already tense political atmosphere.
However, the allegations remain claims made by Governor Adeleke, and any criminal responsibility would have to be established through appropriate investigation and legal proceedings.
The police and other relevant security agencies are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the video and whether the comments attributed to the senator constitute an offence under Nigerian law.
For now, Governor Adeleke is urging the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS and other security authorities to act swiftly to ensure that the upcoming Osun governorship election is conducted in a peaceful and credible environment.
