The reinstated chairman of Irewole Local Government Area in Osun State, Mr. Remi Abass, has reportedly been killed.
It is alleged that Abass was killed by armed men linked to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The event occurred when Abass and other local government officials, who had been dismissed but reinstated by a recent court ruling, tried to take control of the council’s secretariat in Ikire.
The incident on Monday morning escalated when Abass led a group of former local government officials to the secretariat. They were attempting to take control when armed men, believed to be loyal to the PDP, stormed the area to force them out. Gunshots were exchanged during the chaos, and tragically, Abass was killed. Several others were injured in the attack.
The situation escalated further when the armed men took to the highway, shooting into the air and causing panic in the community. Motorists were forced to find alternate routes to avoid getting caught in the gunfire.
A source familiar with the incident said, “The thugs came out from the building opposite the secretariat, carrying guns. They specifically targeted the council chairman, surrounding him and not letting him escape before killing him.”
In a separate report, the Commissioner for Protocol and Government Affairs in the state, Mr. Soji Ajeigbe, claimed that two members of the PDP, Ege and Igara, were also killed by armed men allegedly linked to the APC. Ajeigbe said, “Apart from those killed, six others lost their lives while trying to take control of the secretariat. The bodies have been moved to the morgue, and the injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.”
This incident is part of an ongoing political conflict in the state, with both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP claiming control over the local government. The APC insists that a recent Court of Appeal decision has reinstated the sacked council chairmen and councillors, while the Osun State Government argues that the Federal High Court in Osogbo had already nullified the election.
The governor of the state, Ademola Adeleke, had on Sunday convened a press conference where he accused his predecessor and minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, of plans to cause mayhem in the state.
“Before I continue this address, let me affirm that I know Mr. President to be a true democrat, a lover of rule of law, and a believer in the sanctity of the judicial process.
“I know, as a matter of fact, that Mr. President will never authorise a dictatorial violation of the constitution irrespective of who is involved. It is crucial to add that Mr. President will never support any action that is capable of generating bloodbath and bloodshed.
“I, however, regret to inform Mr. President and the public that Mr Gboyega Oyetola has concluded an arrangement to cause mayhem in Osun State starting from Monday,” he had said.
