The Nigeria Police Force has documented at least 30 politically motivated killings in Osun state ahead of the Saturday, August 15, 2026, governorship election, according to a report by The Punch. The violence, which has been linked to political and cult-related activities, has sparked fear across the state as voters prepare to head to the polls.
Civil Society Groups Raise Alarm Over Rising Violence
The chairman of the Osun State Civil Societies Coalition, Waheed Lawal, expressed concern over the difficulty in distinguishing between cult and political killings. According to him, cultists have deeply integrated themselves into the political landscape, blurring the lines between the two forms of violence.
“Some of the violence is cult-related, but you can hardly differentiate between political and cult killings now because these cultists have integrated themselves into politics. Some belong to the ruling party, while others belong to the Accord Party,” Lawal said in the report.
Lamina Kamiludeen, the executive director of the World Institute for Peace, also noted that the violence had claimed at least 14 lives between January and August 2026. The police figure of 30 politically motivated killings underscores the severity of the situation.
List of Victims Identified in the Report
The Punch report identified several individuals who lost their lives in politically related violence. Below is the list of victims as documented:
- Kazeem Oyewole – An APC supporter and former unit chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers. He was killed at Orita Elelede in Osogbo in January 2026 by thugs allegedly working for the Accord Party.
- Kolade Eluyera – Son of the Accord Party Women Leader in Irewole Local Government Area. He was killed in Ikire on May 8, 2026, with his body recovered with gunshot wounds.
- Ezekiel Olapade – A 14-year-old boy shot dead in Ilobu on June 21, 2026, reportedly struck by a bullet intended for a man wearing an Accord Party face cap.
- Ajayi Rogba – An Accord Party member killed in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area, on June 23, 2026.
- Taofeeq Mustapha – An APC member shot dead on June 27, 2026, allegedly for wearing a cap with the inscription “AMBO,” associated with APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji.
- Timilehin Oni – A 19-year-old shot dead in the Ijebu-Jesa area on July 6, 2026.
- Lateef Adelodun, aka Lexy – Killed in the Egbatedo area of Osogbo on July 15, 2026, along with Waheed Adigun, in an attack allegedly by Accord Party supporters.
- Waheed Adigun – Killed alongside Lateef Adelodun on July 15, 2026, in the same attack.
- Ibrahim – Killed in the Atelewo area of Osogbo on July 26, 2026.
- Aderombi Abass – Listed among other politically related fatalities.
- Ganiyu Gele – Also listed among the politically related fatalities.
- Wole Vulcaniser – Named among other victims.
- Rafiu Quadri Abiodun – Listed among the politically related fatalities, though details of his death were not specified.
- Elijah Baba Ewe – The final name listed by The Punch, with no details provided on the date or location of his death.
Cultism and Politics Fuel Violence in Osun
The killings have raised serious concerns about the growing overlap between cultism and political violence in Osun state. The Kimpact Development Initiative separately recorded 56 election-related violent incidents resulting in 14 fatalities over the preceding 12 months. Osogbo accounted for 23 of those incidents and nine of the 14 deaths recorded by the organisation.
With the police putting the number of politically motivated killings at 30, security remains a major concern as Osun voters prepare for the August 15 governorship election. The violence has not only claimed lives but also heightened tensions among political parties and their supporters.
Governor Adeleke Says Election Is Beyond Winning
Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, released a statement regarding the upcoming election, emphasising that the contest goes beyond mere victory. He accused the APC of using federal power to retaliate against Osun residents, making the election a critical moment for the state's democratic integrity and citizen welfare.
The political atmosphere in Osun remains tense, with stakeholders calling for enhanced security measures to ensure a peaceful election. The police and other security agencies have been urged to intensify efforts to curb the violence and bring perpetrators to justice.
