Osun Election: Police Summon Fadahunsi Over Alleged ‘Kill’ Remark
Osun Election: Police Summon Fadahunsi Over Alleged ‘Kill’ Remark
The Osun State Police Command has explained that Senator Francis Fadahunsi was invited for questioning over an alleged inflammatory statement against members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Samuel Etaifo, said the senator was invited to clarify the statement and help prevent further escalation of political tensions in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, the police condemned the remark attributed to Fadahunsi, alleging that he said any Accord Party member seen in Ilesa before the election should be killed.
Etaifo urged political leaders and public office holders to exercise restraint and refrain from making statements capable of heightening tensions or undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” the statement said.
The command stressed that the invitation was not intended to intimidate the senator but was a proactive step aimed at preventing the escalation of tensions and ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.
The police also warned that it would not tolerate any act, statement or conduct capable of inciting violence, disrupting public peace or threatening the security of Osun State.
The controversy followed a viral video in which Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, was allegedly heard speaking in Yoruba during a gathering at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in Ilesa.
The senator was reportedly addressing supporters during a protest over the alleged killing of three APC members in Ilesa.
Another APC figure, Francis Eniade, the party’s candidate for the Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo Otin Federal Constituency, also came under criticism over an alleged statement urging non-APC voters not to come out on election day.
Reacting to the controversy, Governor Ademola Adeleke called for Fadahunsi’s arrest and investigation, warning that the alleged statement could trigger widespread violence.
The police command has meanwhile appealed to political actors, their supporters and members of the public to remain law-abiding and prioritise the peace and stability of Osun State above partisan interests.
