Adeleke Seeks UK Visa Ban, Economic Sanctions Against Oyetola, Wole Oke, Fadahunsi, Oyebamiji Over Alleged Political Violence in Osun

 

By Abel Chigozie 

 Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for the imposition of economic sanctions and visa restrictions on former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Bola Oyebamiji, Hon. Wole Oke and other political figures whom he accused of sponsoring and encouraging political violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

The governor made the call on Monday while receiving a delegation from the British Government in Osogbo as part of the diplomatic team's pre-election peacebuilding engagements with stakeholders.

According to Adeleke, those he named have allegedly aided and abetted political violence in Osun through their associates and supporters, resulting in killings, gun attacks and heightened insecurity in several parts of the state since the commencement of campaigns.

While commending security agencies for intervening to contain the violence, the governor alleged that some political leaders continue to either openly or indirectly encourage violent activities despite repeated calls for peaceful elections.

Reaffirming his administration's commitment to law and order, Adeleke declared that his government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards political violence, insisting that security agencies should arrest anyone found culpable, irrespective 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. I told the world we harbour no thugs anywhere and the police can and should arrest any suspect. There must be strict law enforcement," the governor said.

Adeleke's remarks came amid the reported killing of an Accord Party member in Ijebu-Jesa, which the state government said raised the number of Accord supporters allegedly killed during the ongoing electioneering campaigns to five, while 15 others were critically injured in attacks allegedly carried out by suspected APC thugs.

The governor urged security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and prosecute both perpetrators and sponsors of political violence, arguing that public statements and actions of some APC leaders justify international punitive measures against them.

"I believe we must have a deterrent against those promoting political violence. We seek visa bans against politicians sponsoring killings and violent attacks. We advocate for similar sanctions against security chiefs aiding and abetting such anti-democratic activities.

"Election is not about bloodshed. Osun deserves peace and the freedom to make their choice about who governs them. There must be consequences for those deliberately endangering the lives of our people for selfish political gains," Adeleke told the delegation.

Leader of the British delegation, Senior Political Adviser Wale Adebajo, said the visit formed part of the United Kingdom's pre-election peacebuilding initiatives in partnership with other stakeholders.

He reiterated the British Government's support for a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process in Osun State, assuring that the delegation would continue engaging political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders to encourage violence-free elections.

The delegation also stressed the importance of ensuring that the August 15 governorship election is conducted in an atmosphere that guarantees voters the freedom to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation or violence.