…Condoles with Family of Slain Accord Member
By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday condemned the persistent killings of residents in the state, alleging that the attacks were being carried out by political opponents. He called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to thoroughly investigate the state’s security situation and ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
The governor made the call during a condolence visit to the family of an Accord Party member, Mr. Aderogba, who was allegedly shot dead by suspected thugs in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday evening.
Adeleke, who was received by members of the deceased’s family as well as Accord leaders and supporters from across the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, sympathised with the bereaved family and promised to support the deceased’s children and immediate relatives.
Narrating the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death, the widow, Mrs. Tolulope Aderogba, alleged that he was killed shortly after rejecting pressure to align with a political group.
“He asked me to bring him food, and I met him at the junction with Oladapo, the youth leader in Esa-Oke. They were discussing when I arrived. My husband was ill, and I wanted to give him his medication. The youth leader was urging him to join Wole Oke’s group, but he refused,” she said.
According to her, a suspicious Sienna vehicle drove past the area before a motorcyclist alerted them that its occupants appeared dangerous.
“The motorcyclist said he had been approached and paid to kill my husband but refused. Shortly after, the assailants opened fire on him. The first shot did not penetrate. Oladapo allegedly removed something from my husband’s bag, after which they shot him again and attacked him with machetes. He collapsed and died before we arrived at the hospital,” she alleged.
Mrs. Aderogba further claimed that Oladapo Fakunle had continued to persuade her husband to honour an invitation from former lawmaker Wole Oke despite the looming threat.
“My husband was shot by men dressed in black suits. When the first bullet did not penetrate, Oladapo removed the bag hanging on his neck and the attackers fired another round of shots. They also attacked him with machetes. He died before we reached the hospital. Since then, Oladapo has fled Esa-Oke,” she said, demanding justice for her husband.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Adeleke urged traditional rulers across Osun State to speak out against politically motivated violence and killings.
“The Commissioner of Police has failed to act on several reported attacks. Consequently, I have forwarded videos and reports of these recurring incidents to the Inspector-General of Police. The people of Osun deserve answers,” the governor said.
“I have also informed the Presidency about the orchestrated violence against our people. Those who have lost their lives in the struggle for democratic rights are heroes, and they will not die in vain.”
Adeleke accused members of the opposition APC of being linked to the violence, insisting that those responsible would eventually face justice.
“As innocent blood continues to be shed, the perpetrators must know that justice will prevail. The blood of the victims will cry out against their killers,” he stated.
The governor also urged supporters to remain law-abiding despite growing frustration over the attacks.
“Our members have the capacity to defend themselves, but I have consistently advised against self-help. We must allow security agencies to perform their constitutional duties,” he said.
He reiterated his call on the Inspector-General of Police to review the leadership structure of the Osun State Police Command, alleging that known suspects and political thugs had not been arrested despite repeated complaints.
“The patience of our people is wearing thin. This is why I am once again calling on the Inspector-General of Police to reshuffle the command structure in Osun and address what appears to be a deliberate failure to arrest identified suspects,” Adeleke added.
The governor described the killing as “one death too many” and assured the bereaved family of government support, while urging political actors and residents to maintain peace as preparations intensify for the August 15 elections.