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Political tension intensified in Osun State on Wednesday after separate incidents linked to the ongoing governorship campaign claimed two lives and left several others injured, raising fresh security concerns ahead of the August 15 election.
In Esa Oke, Obokun Local Government Area, an Accord Party supporter, Ajayi Aderogba, was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday evening. The incident sparked protests in the community and triggered accusations and counter-accusations between the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Residents said Aderogba was involved in preparations for a campaign event in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid when he was attacked. The circumstances surrounding the killing remain unclear, while the Osun State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement as of press time.
The spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, alleged that APC chieftain and Director-General of the Osun State Governorship Campaign Council, Oluwole Oke, was connected to efforts aimed at disrupting the campaign programme.
Olajengbesi described the deceased as a dedicated supporter of Governor Adeleke and claimed he was targeted because of his political affiliation.
However, Oke denied the allegations, describing attempts to link him and the APC to the killing as false and unfounded. In a statement issued by his Senior Media Aide, Tunde Omolebi-Sunday, Oke called for a thorough investigation and cautioned against drawing conclusions before security agencies complete their inquiries.
He also faulted the allegations made against him, insisting that neither he nor the APC had any involvement in the incident.
While controversy over Aderogba’s death was still unfolding, tragedy struck in Ede when a truck rammed into an APC street campaign procession organised in support of the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The accident, which occurred near the Oke Gada area of the town, claimed the life of AbdulRasaq Ahmed and left seven others injured.
The Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji Campaign Committee, Remi Omowaiye, confirmed the incident, saying the injured victims were receiving treatment in hospitals in Ede and Ofatedo.
According to eyewitnesses, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps had directed traffic away from the route being used by campaign supporters when the truck allegedly entered the restricted lane and crashed into the crowd.
The APC deputy governorship candidate, Benjamin Adereti, who visited the family of the deceased, called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Adereti said the circumstances surrounding the crash raised questions and urged security agencies to determine whether it was an accident or a deliberate act.
He also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The twin tragedies have heightened anxiety across Osun State as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the governorship election.
