Osun political violence: Adeleke campaign demands probe into killings

The Imole Campaign Council has formally requested the National Human Rights Commission to launch an urgent investigation into a spate of political violence in Osun State. The appeal comes after the recent killing of Dele Ayegbo, identified as a nephew of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign Director-General, Wole Oke.

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The killing of any resident of Esa Oke, whether a member of Accord, APC or any other political party, is unacceptable and demands a thorough, independent and impartial investigation.

In a petition submitted on August 13, 2026, the council, represented by its spokesperson and legal practitioner Pelumi Olajengbesi, called for an independent panel of inquiry. This panel would examine the killings, shootings, attacks, and property destruction allegedly linked to political activities in Esa Oke, Obokun Local Government Area.

The petition highlighted the need to investigate Ayegbo's death alongside the June 23 killing of Ajayi Aderogba, an Accord Party supporter. The council stressed that any killing, regardless of political affiliation, is unacceptable and demands a thorough, impartial investigation. It noted the competing political claims surrounding Aderogba's death, with both Wole Oke and APC representatives denying involvement and calling for an investigation, underscoring the necessity of an independent inquiry.

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It is precisely because of these competing accounts that an independent investigation by the National Human Rights Commission has become imperative.

Furthermore, the council urged the commission to scrutinize allegations of political incitement. This includes examining recorded statements attributed to political actors, establishing their context, and determining if they encouraged violence. The petition also seeks an investigation into the actions of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies regarding previous complaints, specifically whether identified suspects were arrested, questioned, or prosecuted. Olajengbesi condemned Ayegbo's killing, emphasizing that no one should be murdered for political reasons or protected due to political affiliation.

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I condemn the killing of Mr. Ayegbo completely and without reservation. nobody should be murdered because of politics, and nobody responsible for murder should be protected because of political affiliation.