On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
OSOGBO — Governor Ademola Adeleke has condemned what he described as coordinated attacks on residents of Ile-Ife, Ede and Osogbo by suspected political thugs, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security chiefs to urgently intervene before the situation escalates into a wider security crisis.
Addressing an emergency press conference at the Government House on Tuesday, Adeleke alleged that the attacks were carried out by supporters of the AMBO political movement and accused former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, of contributing to rising political tensions in the state.
According to the Governor, the violence reportedly began in Ile-Ife before spreading through Akoda, Owode, Olaiya, Old Garage, Okefia and other parts of Osogbo.
He alleged that the attackers moved in a convoy of about 15 vehicles branded with AMBO insignia and operated openly without resistance from security agencies.
"As at the time of calling this press conference, several residents were feared injured and one or two people killed. The attackers are led by thugs known as Aleba and Asiri," the Governor said.
He further expressed concern over what he described as the failure of law enforcement agencies to halt the attacks or apprehend those responsible.
"These attacks are outrageous, unprovoked and a deliberate step to plunge the state into chaos. I condemn in the strongest possible terms the destabilising roles of Marine Minister, Gboyega Oyetola, and the Osun APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji," Adeleke stated.
The Governor recalled recent incidents of political violence, including the killing of a youth leader of the Accord Party in Ikire and the shooting of the party's chairman in Osogbo, warning that continued provocations could threaten the peace and stability of the state.
He appealed to the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services and other security agencies to closely monitor developments in Osun State.
"I appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Mr Oyetola and Oyebamiji to order," he added.
Following the briefing, Governor Adeleke embarked on an inspection tour of affected areas and visited victims receiving treatment at the Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
The Governor interacted with injured residents, their families and healthcare workers, assuring them of government support and a commitment to securing justice for victims.
During the visit, he also paid a solidarity visit to the Chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government, who was reportedly attacked last week by suspected assassins.
The Governor later proceeded to the Cottage Hospital in Ede, where additional victims of the attacks were receiving medical attention.
Speaking with victims and residents, Adeleke described the violence as unfortunate, reprehensible and inconsistent with the peaceful character of Osun State.
"No political ambition is worth the blood or suffering of our people. Osun remains a peaceful state and we will not allow any individual or group to disrupt the peace that our people have worked hard to sustain," he said.
Governor Adeleke directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all perpetrators, regardless of political affiliation or social status, are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also announced plans to strengthen security presence in vulnerable areas across the state to prevent further disturbances and reassure residents.
Expressing concern over what he termed an increasing trend of politically motivated violence, the Governor stressed that every citizen has a constitutional right to participate in politics without fear of intimidation or attack.
He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged political actors across party lines to caution their supporters against actions capable of undermining public peace and democratic stability.
The Governor further appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue, assuring them that his administration remains committed to protecting lives and property throughout Osun State.
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