Political tension intensified in Osun State on Wednesday following the killing of an Accord Party supporter in Esa-Oke and the death of an APC campaigner in a tragic truck accident during a campaign procession in Ede.
The incidents occurred less than two months before the August 15 governorship election, raising fresh concerns over security as political activities gather momentum across the state.
The deceased Accord supporter, identified as Ajayi Aderogba, was reportedly shot dead on Tuesday evening by suspected gunmen in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area.
The killing sparked protests in the community, with residents expressing concerns over the rising political atmosphere ahead of the election.
Although the circumstances surrounding the incident remained unclear at press time, residents alleged that Aderogba was attacked while preparations were underway for a political rally in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid.
The incident triggered accusations and counter-accusations between the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Spokesman of The Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, accused a member of the House of Representatives and Director-General of the Osun State APC Governorship Campaign Council, Oluwole Oke, of having links to the attack.
Olajengbesi, in a statement, alleged that efforts had been made to disrupt the planned political event and claimed the deceased was targeted because of his political affiliation.
However, Oke denied the allegation through a statement signed by his Senior Media Aide, Tunde Omolebi-Sunday, describing attempts to link him and the APC to the killing as false and misleading.
He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and cautioned against making conclusions before security agencies complete their findings.
According to him, preliminary reports suggested the killing could be connected to clashes between rival groups and possible reprisal attacks.
While controversy over the shooting was still unfolding, tragedy struck in Ede when a truck reportedly rammed into an APC street campaign procession organised in support of the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
The accident occurred near the Oke Gada area of the town, resulting in the death of AbdulRasaq Ahmed and injuries to seven others.
Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji Campaign Committee, Remi Omowaiye, confirmed the incident, saying the injured victims were receiving treatment at private hospitals in Ede and Ofatedo.
“One person died in the accident, while seven others sustained injuries. One of the victims is in critical condition,” he said.
An eyewitness alleged that the truck driver ignored traffic directives issued by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who were managing traffic around the campaign route.
According to the witness, campaign supporters were occupying one lane while vehicles were directed to use the other before the truck veered into the crowd.
The APC deputy governorship candidate, Benjamin Adereti, who visited the family of the deceased, called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Adereti said circumstances surrounding the accident raised questions and urged security agencies to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the tragedy.
He also commiserated with the bereaved family and prayed for divine comfort during the difficult period.
The twin incidents have further heightened political anxiety in Osun State as parties intensify campaigns ahead of the governorship election.
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