Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has condemned the recent violence and loss of lives in parts of the state, calling on the police and other security agencies to take immediate steps to restore peace.
Oyetola made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola.
The former governor described the attacks as a serious threat to the peace, heritage and democratic values of the people of Osun, stressing that neither political ambitions nor commercial interests should be allowed to justify the loss of lives.
He said politics should serve as a tool for development rather than become a source of violence and bloodshed.
Oyetola expressed sympathy with families who lost loved ones during the unrest and urged the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies to intensify efforts to protect residents, particularly in areas affected by the violence.
He called for the deployment of adequate security personnel to volatile locations, the recovery of public spaces reportedly taken over by hoodlums and the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings and other violent acts.
The former governor also appealed to residents to remain calm and exercise restraint, warning that the state’s development and prosperity should not be sacrificed for political or commercial interests.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the peace, security and development of Osun State, urging residents to work collectively to preserve the state’s reputation for civility, enterprise and democratic values.
The latest violence followed an incident in Ikire, where the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress accused Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration of supporting suspected hoodlums allegedly involved in the attacks.
The Osun APC Media Cluster Chairman, Oluwafunsho Fagbohungbe, claimed that the crisis began after suspected hoodlums allegedly linked to the Accord Party attempted to take control of a motor park.
However, the Osun State Accord Party Chairman, Victor Akande, rejected the allegation and instead accused the Divisional Police Officer of the Irewole Division, Bamidele Olatona, of being responsible for the violence.
Akande alleged that there was no confrontation at the park before the DPO reportedly opened fire, describing the officer’s alleged conduct as unprofessional and unprovoked.
The competing allegations have further heightened tensions in the state, with calls growing for security agencies to investigate the incident and prevent further violence.
