Blessing Bello, Reporting
ILESA — Concerned youths and residents of Ijesaland in Osun East Senatorial District have called for the arrest and prosecution of Senator Francis Fadahunsi over an alleged inciting statement linked to the recent Osun governorship election.
The protesters made the demand during a peaceful procession in Ilesa on Wednesday, following reports of pre- and post-election violence in parts of Ijesaland.
Senator Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East in the National Assembly, was allegedly heard in a viral video saying, “kill any Accord member,” during a protest at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. He has since denied making the statement.
Carrying placards and banners, the protesters thronged the streets of Ilesa, converging at Enuwa roundabout before marching through Isokun and Market Square. The procession terminated at the gate of the Owa-Obokun palace.
Youth Leaders Speak Out
Speaking on behalf of the youth, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, Akinbode Olakolupo, accused the senator of making a statement they alleged could inflame tensions and threaten the peace of the region.
“We call for investigation of all credible allegations against him, with the law taking its course if wrongdoing is established,” Mr Olakolupo said.
“We demand a transparent, impartial and credible investigation into all credible allegations of incitement, threats, killings and political violence connected to the electoral process by Senator Fadahunsi.”
He urged police and security operatives to intensify efforts to recover illegal firearms from political thugs and criminals.
Recall Process Underway
Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, Comrade Olorunfemi Olatunji explained that the demonstration was motivated by concerns over the quality of representation by Senator Fadahunsi.
“We, under the aegis of the Coalition of Youth and Students with Concerned Citizens of Osun East Senatorial District, are opposed to the reckless statement made by our Senator before the election,” he said.
“This protest is the first stage of our actions. We are recalling him back home. We are still going to Abuja. All the necessary lawful actions to recall him have been put together which we will start in a few days. We have filed the petition and we are following it with action that his recall process will follow.”
The protest highlights growing tensions in the region following the governorship election, with residents demanding accountability from their elected representatives and calling for calm in the wake of reported violence.
