Ijesa Youth Forum Distances Self From Publication, Condemns Killings in Ilesa

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

Ijesa Youth Forum has dissociated itself from a publication attributed to “Ijesa Youths,” which purportedly applauded recent police arrests and demanded further action against individuals over alleged violence in Ilesa.

The publication, titled “Ijesa Youths Applaud Police Arrests, Demand Action Against Others Over Alleged Violence,” was published by Civic Wire on August 11, 2026.

In a statement jointly signed by the President of the Forum, Aderoke Simiat Gbadamosi, and its General Secretary, Fagbowore Medayese, the organisation said it had no knowledge of the publication and did not issue, authorise or endorse the statement attributed to it.

The Forum further clarified that the individual who purportedly signed the publication as the Secretary of the Ijesa Youth Forum is not the duly recognised Secretary of the organisation and had no authority to speak on its behalf.

According to the statement, Fagbowore Medayese remains the duly recognised General Secretary of the Forum and neither authored, signed nor endorsed the publication.

The organisation described the unauthorised use of the office of its Secretary and the attribution of the publication to the Ijesa Youth Forum as an impersonation of office and a misrepresentation of its official position.

The Forum therefore urged members of the public, media organisations and other stakeholders to disregard any statement presented as the official position of the Ijesa Youth Forum unless it is duly issued or authorised by its recognised leadership.

While distancing itself from the controversial publication, the Ijesa Youth Forum unequivocally condemned the recent killings and acts of violence reported in Ilesa.

It described the loss of lives as “unacceptable and deeply disturbing,” stressing that no political ambition, disagreement, rivalry or personal interest should ever justify the taking of innocent lives.

The Forum called on relevant security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into all reported cases of killings and political violence, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law, regardless of political affiliation or social status.

It also appealed to political actors, their supporters and youths across Ijesaland to reject violence, intimidation, provocation and the deployment of thugs during political activities.

“Political differences should never become a reason for brothers and sisters to turn against one another,” the Forum said.

The youth organisation equally urged media organisations and individuals to exercise greater responsibility when publishing statements attributed to groups or their officials, calling for proper verification before attaching the name, position or official identity of an organisation to any publication.

The Ijesa Youth Forum reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, accountability and the protection of lives and property across Ijesaland.

It declared: “We condemn every act of violence. We condemn every killing. We reject impunity. And we will continue to stand for peace and the safety of our people.”

The statement was signed by Aderoke Simiat Gbadamosi, President, and Fagbowore Medayese, General Secretary, Ijesa Youth Forum.