Osun Political Violence: Accord Party Women Leader's Son Killed
Tensions have escalated in Osun State following the murder of Kolade Eluyera, son of the Irewole Accord Party Women Leader. The Imole Campaign Council has accused suspected thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) of being responsible, while the APC has strongly refuted these allegations. Police have confirmed the recovery of the body and launched an investigation, with growing calls for an independent probe into the incident.
Details of the Incident
The killing occurred late on Friday, May 8, 2026, near Onireke Mosque in Ikire. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, a lifeless body with gunshot wounds was recovered in the area. Ojelabi stated, 'Investigation is on, and the Commissioner of Police has deployed more men to the area. We are working with those who brought the corpse to get more information.'
Allegations Against APC Thugs
Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, alleged that suspected thugs working for the APC were behind the attack. He criticized security agencies for failing to act despite repeated warnings. 'What is unfolding in Osun State is becoming dangerously alarming, condemnable, and a direct threat to constitutional democracy, public peace, and political freedom,' Olajengbesi stated. He also condoled with the family of the deceased and members of the Accord Party, emphasizing that the killing highlighted serious legal, moral, and security concerns among residents, political stakeholders, and the wider public.
APC Dismisses Allegations
In response, Kola Olabisi, co-chairman (Print) of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji Governorship Election Campaign Council, dismissed the allegations as baseless. 'It is uncharitable, wicked and inhuman of the campaign committee wing of the re-election bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke to willingly embark on the threatening of the security of the state out of its desperation to sell their difficult candidate who has recorded abysmal failure in its close to four years in office,' Olabisi said. He described the claims as 'frivolous, fabricated and a ploy to call a dog a bad name in order to hang it,' insisting that violence is not the hallmark of the APC. He further defended the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, calling him 'a perfect gentleman who cannot hurt a fly.'
Calls for Independent Investigation
Olajengbesi urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies to commence an independent investigation into the killing. Meanwhile, the police have confirmed gunshot wounds on the victim and continue their investigation.
Related Incident: Soldier Accused of Killing Amotekun Operative
In a separate incident, the Osun State chapter of the Amotekun Corps has accused a Nigerian Army soldier, identified as Opejobi Fiyinfoluwa, of killing one of its operatives, Mr. Peter Samuel Tope, in an alleged unprovoked and brutal assault in the Ijeda-Ijesa community. According to a statement released on Sunday by Corps Commander Mr. Adekunle Omoyele, the tragic incident occurred on Saturday evening when Tope, aged 35, was ambushed and attacked by Fiyinfoluwa and a group of unidentified accomplices while riding a motorcycle.
