Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for economic sanctions and visa bans against the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Bola Oyebamiji, Hon. Wole Oke and other political leaders over alleged involvement in political violence in the state.
Governor Adeleke made the call while receiving a delegation from the British Government on the forthcoming Osun governorship election. He alleged that the named individuals had, through their allies and supporters, promoted political violence that has resulted in killings and gun attacks across the state.
The governor commended security agencies for their efforts in containing the violence but accused some political leaders of openly encouraging acts capable of undermining peace. He reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for political violence and urged law enforcement agencies to arrest anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation.
“I have zero tolerance for violence. I have told the Inspector General of Police that if my son is involved, he should be arrested. We harbour no thugs anywhere, and the police can and should arrest any suspect. There must be strict law enforcement,” Adeleke said.
His remarks followed the reported killing of an Accord Party member in Ijebu-Jesa. According to the governor, five Accord Party members have been killed while 15 others have sustained critical injuries in attacks allegedly carried out by suspected APC thugs since the commencement of campaigns for the 2026 governorship election.
Adeleke urged security agencies to apprehend both perpetrators and their alleged sponsors, insisting that public statements and actions by some APC leaders justified his call for international sanctions.
“I believe there must be deterrence against those promoting political violence. We seek visa bans against politicians sponsoring killings and violent attacks. We also advocate similar sanctions against security chiefs aiding and abetting such anti-democratic activities,” he said.
The governor stressed that elections should not be characterised by bloodshed, adding that the people of Osun deserve a peaceful environment to freely choose their leaders.
“Election is not about bloodshed. Osun deserves peace and the freedom to decide who governs them. There must be consequences for those deliberately endangering the lives of our people for selfish political gains,” he added.
Responding, the leader of the British delegation and Senior Political Adviser, Wale Adebajo, said the visit was part of pre-election peacebuilding efforts being undertaken by the British Government and its partners.
Adebajo reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support for a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process, adding that the delegation would engage all relevant stakeholders to encourage a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
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