Adeleke urges Tinubu to intervene in Osun election violence, warns against repeat of 1983 crisis

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the escalating pre-election violence in the state, warning against a repeat of the political crisis that engulfed the South West in 1983.

Speaking on Monday during a campaign rally in Olorunda Local Government Area, Adeleke said the people of Osun had backed Tinubu’s re-election bid through the Accord Party and deserved protection from violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The governor, who is seeking a second term on the Accord Party platform, accused security agencies of failing to curb attacks linked to the electioneering process.

Rising political tension

Osun has witnessed renewed clashes in recent weeks as supporters of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) battle for political dominance ahead of the governorship poll.

The APC is seeking to reclaim the state after losing power four years ago.

Adeleke drew parallels between the current situation and the aftermath of the 1983 governorship elections, when widespread allegations of electoral manipulation triggered violence, protests, arson and killings across the South West.
Appeal to Tinubu

Addressing supporters, Adeleke questioned why violence had continued despite the party’s endorsement of Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

“President Tinubu, you asked us to endorse your re-election, which we have done. Why then are they killing our people?” he said.

He urged the president to ensure that the events of 1983 are not repeated, insisting that Osun residents would resist any attempt to manipulate the election.

Adeleke also alleged that the police had become compromised and called on security agencies to focus on tackling criminal activities instead.

“I am crying out to you now, so you won’t say I didn’t speak out. I am the chief security officer of Osun State,” he added.
Oyetola should be called to order

The governor also appealed to Tinubu to caution his predecessor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, whom he blamed for worsening political tensions in the state.

“Oyetola needs to be called to order. We all have children. May the blood of innocent children killed punish those behind the killings,” Adeleke said.
Calls for free and fair election

In a post on X after the rally, Adeleke reiterated his demand for the president’s intervention, saying the loss of innocent lives must end.

“Osun is bleeding, and our people will not be intimidated. His intervention is needed. The loss of innocent lives in Osun must stop. All we are asking for is simply a free and fair election,” he wrote.

The governor further urged Tinubu to act as a father figure by safeguarding the democratic process, warning that any failure to do so could damage the president’s legacy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He stressed that democracy can only thrive when citizens are allowed to freely choose their leaders.

Source: TheCable