By Thomas Abidoye, Osun
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has condemned what he described as coordinated attacks allegedly carried out by political thugs in several parts of the state, calling on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to urgently intervene to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Adeleke made the call in a statement posted on his official X account on Tuesday following reports of violent incidents in Ile-Ife, Ede, Osogbo and other locations across the state.
The governor alleged that the attacks were perpetrated by individuals linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that political ambition should not be allowed to endanger the lives of innocent citizens.
He specifically appealed to President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security authorities to take immediate steps to restore order and prevent further violence.
Adeleke also called on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, and the APC governorship candidate in Osun, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, to ensure that the political situation in the state does not escalate into chaos.
According to the governor, he visited some of the affected areas after receiving reports of the attacks and met victims receiving treatment at the Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, and the Cottage Hospital, Ede.
He added that he also paid a solidarity visit to the Accord Party chairman in Osogbo who reportedly survived a gunshot attack last week.
The governor expressed sympathy to those injured and their families, assuring them that his administration would provide the necessary support during the period.
Adeleke disclosed that security agencies had been directed to carry out thorough investigations into the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice regardless of their status or political affiliation.
He stressed that political disagreements should never degenerate into violence, intimidation or attacks on citizens exercising their democratic rights.
The governor maintained that democracy can only thrive in an atmosphere of dialogue, tolerance and respect for the rule of law.
He urged residents of the state to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that additional security measures were being put in place in vulnerable areas.
Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property while preserving peace across Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
He wrote, “I strongly condemn the coordinated attacks carried out by pro-APC political thugs in Ile-Ife, Ede, Osogbo and other parts of our state earlier today. No political ambition is worth the blood, pain, and suffering of innocent citizens.
“I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT, the National Security Adviser @NuhuRibadu, the Inspector General of Police @TunjiDisu1, the @OfficialDSSNG, and other security authorities to urgently intervene and call Mr. Gboyega Oyetola @GboyegaOyetola and the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji @OyebamijiBola and everyone behind these provocations to order before they plunge our dear state into chaos.
“After receiving reports of the attacks, I personally visited affected areas and met victims receiving treatment at the Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, and the Cottage Hospital, Ede. I also paid a solidarity visit to the Osogbo Accord Chairman who survived a gunshot attack last week.
“I sympathize with all victims and their families. My administration will not abandon them in this difficult moment. I have directed security agencies to thoroughly investigate these incidents and ensure that every perpetrator, regardless of status or political affiliation, is brought to justice.
“Political differences must never degenerate into violence, intimidation, or attacks on citizens exercising their constitutional rights. Democracy thrives on dialogue, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law.
“I urge all residents to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding. Additional security measures are being activated across vulnerable locations, and my administration remains fully committed to protecting lives, property, and the peace of Osun State.
“May God grant speedy recovery to the injured and continue to preserve the peace of our beloved state.”