Oyetola Speaks Following Brutal Killings After Osun Election

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has condemned the reported wave of post-election violence in Osun State.

This was just as he called on security agencies to urgently arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killings.

Oyetola, a former governor of the state, expressed concern over the escalating violence and loss of lives in parts of Osun in a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday.

He described the attacks as a serious threat to the peace and democratic values of the state, stressing that no political or commercial interest could justify the killing of citizens.

“I condemn these attacks in the strongest terms. Violence against our people is a grave assault on the peace, heritage and democratic values that define our state,” he said.

According to him, “No political ambition, localised transition or commercial interest can ever justify the taking of a human life. Politics must be a vehicle for development, not a catalyst for bloodshed.”

The former governor commiserated with families who lost loved ones and urged the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies to take immediate steps to restore order across affected communities.

Oyetola called for increased security deployment to volatile areas, the recovery of public spaces allegedly taken over by hoodlums and the prompt prosecution of suspects linked to the violence.

“Adequate security personnel should be deployed to volatile areas, public spaces reclaimed from hoodlums, and everyone found responsible for killings and other acts of violence promptly apprehended and brought to justice,” he said.

He also urged political actors, community leaders and residents to avoid actions capable of further escalating tensions, stressing that disputes should be resolved through dialogue.

“I appeal to all stakeholders and citizens to exercise restraint, reject violence and embrace dialogue in resolving disputes. The progress and prosperity of Osun must never be sacrificed for political or commercial interests,” Oyetola added.

His comments came amid reports of deadly clashes in parts of the state following the recent governorship election.

In Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, no fewer than five people, including three commercial bus drivers and two passersby, were feared dead following a violent clash at Naira and Kobo Garage on Monday.

The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over control of the motor park, with political thugs allegedly taking part in the confrontation.

An eyewitness who escaped the scene alleged that the violence was connected to a broader struggle for control of motor parks across the state following the election.

The source claimed that rival political groups had been engaged in a battle for control of major motor parks in towns including Ikire, Ile-Ife, Iwo and Osogbo.

According to the eyewitness, tensions heightened after the election as supporters of different political interests allegedly sought to assert control over motor parks previously dominated by rival groups.

He alleged that Monday’s violence formed part of coordinated attempts by rival groups to reclaim control of motor parks, with clashes reportedly occurring around the same period in several locations.

“The one here in Ikire was brutal. I was around the scene when the attack started, and God saved me,” the source said.

There were also allegations concerning the role of the Divisional Police Officer in Ikire, identified as Olatona Bamidele, who was reportedly at the garage during the confrontation.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has announced measures to support victims of election-related violence.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has constituted a Committee on Election Violence Victims to verify claims from persons affected by violence associated with the election.

The committee is also expected to oversee the disbursement of the N500 million Election Violence Victims Relief Endowment Fund established by the state government.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the committee is chaired by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.

It is expected to conduct a transparent verification process to establish genuine claims and ensure that relief is delivered to victims who qualify for assistance.