Osun State sees surge in political killings as governorship election looms

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused police of partisanship and called for the redeployment of the state police commissioner, demanding the arrest and prosecution of suspected political thugs responsible for recent murders. He highlighted three unresolved political killings – Eluyera in Ikire, Ezekiel in Ilobu and Aderogba in Esa Oke – and warned that unchecked violence could jeopardise the upcoming August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The Inspector‑General of Police, Tunji Disu, ordered an immediate end to political killings, tasking the state commissioner and assistant inspector‑generals with thorough investigations and prosecutions. DIG Adegoke Fayoade reiterated the directive during a closed‑door meeting at the Osogbo Government House, assuring that the election would be conducted peacefully.

The Osun branch of the Nigeria Union of Journalists condemned the rising wave of violence, noting 44 election‑related incidents and 13 deaths between October 2025 and June 2026. It called on security agencies to protect lives and property and on politicians to refrain from incendiary rhetoric.

Families of victims are also acting; the relatives of 14‑year‑old Ezekiel Olapade filed a petition with the IGP demanding the arrest of eight suspects in the Ilobu shooting, providing photographs and urging a swift, impartial investigation. Residents across towns such as Ilobu, Esa‑Oke, Ikire and Ede report living in fear, avoiding perceived “hot spots” as political thugs continue to roam the state.