Tension has risen in Osun State following the killing of Kolade Eluyera, said to be the son of the Irewole Local Government Women Leader of the Accord Party.
The incident, which occurred in Ikire, has sparked political accusations and counter-accusations between supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke and members of the All Progressives Congress, as police authorities continue investigations into the killing.
The spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed on Saturday that a lifeless body was recovered in Ikire and that gunshot wounds were discovered on the deceased.
“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,” Ojelabi said.
The police, however, did not immediately disclose the identity of those behind the attack or possible motives for the killing.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the incident quickly became a subject of political controversy in the state ahead of the next governorship election.
The Imole Campaign Council, which is leading Governor Adeleke’s re-election campaign, alleged that the deceased was attacked by suspected political thugs linked to the APC.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson for the council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, claimed the attack happened late Friday near Onireke Mosque in Ikire.
According to him, the incident followed repeated complaints and security alerts allegedly submitted to law enforcement agencies regarding threats and attacks against members of the Accord Party in Irewole Local Government Area.
Olajengbesi alleged that several reports had earlier been lodged with the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ikire and the Office of the Area Commander concerning alleged kidnapping, intimidation, harassment and violent attacks targeted at opposition members.
He claimed security agencies failed to take preventive measures before the situation escalated into violence.
“What is unfolding in Osun State is becoming dangerously alarming, condemnable, and a direct threat to constitutional democracy, public peace, and political freedom,” he stated.
The campaign council expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and the leadership of the Accord Party, while also raising concerns about what it described as a slow response from security agencies despite repeated reports of political violence.
The statement further claimed that political tension in the state was increasing due to frustration among opposition parties over Governor Adeleke’s popularity and public support.
“We understand that the growing frustration within the Osun APC stems largely from the overwhelming rejection the party continues to suffer among the people of Osun State,” the statement said.
Olajengbesi argued that many residents continued to support Adeleke because of what he described as visible projects and people-oriented governance by the administration.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to launch an independent investigation into the killing and bring those responsible to justice.
However, the allegations against the APC were strongly rejected by the opposition party.
Reacting to the claims, the co-chairman (Print), Media and Publicity Committee of the Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji Governorship Election Campaign Council, Kola Olabisi, dismissed the accusations as false and politically motivated.
Olabisi urged the Accord Party and the Adeleke campaign council not to politicise the incident while investigations were still ongoing.
“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,” he said.
He accused the state government of spreading misinformation to gain political advantage ahead of the election.
According to him, blaming APC members for the killing without evidence was irresponsible and capable of increasing tension in the state.
“Loading the death of a young man, one Eluyera Kolade, an alleged son of the Accord Party women leader, on some members of our party by the Adeleke re-election campaign council was frivolous, fabricated and a ploy to call a dog a bad name in order to hang it,” Olabisi stated.
He insisted that violence had never been associated with the APC and defended the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, describing him as a peaceful politician.
“Bola Oyebamiji remains a perfect gentleman who cannot hurt a fly,” he added.
The killing has once again raised concerns about political violence and insecurity ahead of elections in Nigeria.
Political clashes and attacks linked to rivalry among parties have remained recurring issues in several parts of the country during election periods.
Osun has witnessed intense political competition in recent years, especially between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party-led government and the APC opposition.
The state’s political atmosphere has remained heated since the last governorship election, with both major parties frequently exchanging accusations over governance, security and political activities.
Civil society organisations and election observers have repeatedly urged politicians and supporters to avoid inflammatory statements capable of inciting violence.
Security agencies have also warned political actors against actions that could threaten public peace before, during and after elections.
Residents of Ikire and surrounding communities were reportedly gripped by fear following the killing, while many called for stronger security presence in the area.
Community leaders and residents have appealed for calm, urging political supporters not to take the law into their hands while investigations continue.
As police authorities intensify efforts to uncover those behind the attack, many residents say they hope justice will be served and that the incident will not lead to further violence in the state.
The latest killing has added to growing concerns about the safety of political actors and supporters as preparations for the next governorship election gather momentum in Osun State.