Blessing Bello, Reporting
OSUN State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for economic sanctions and visa bans against former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, the All Progressives Congress candidate in the forthcoming August 15 gubernatorial election, Bola Oyebamiji, and other APC leaders, accusing them of promoting political violence in the state.
The Governor made the disclosure on Monday in Osogbo while receiving a delegation from the British government on the upcoming Osun elections, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
Allegations of Violence
Adeleke specifically named Oyetola, who currently serves as Minister of Blue Marine and Blue Economy, alongside Oyebamiji, Senator Francis Fadahunsi and Wole Oke, alleging that they have promoted political violence leading to killings and gun attacks across the state.
His comments came amid another political killing of an Accord Party member at Ijebu-Jesa, marking the fifth Accord member killed and 15 critically wounded by suspected APC thugs since the commencement of the 2026 political campaigns.
Governor’s Stance on Violence
The Governor emphasised his zero-tolerance approach to political violence, stating: “The Governor has zero tolerance for violence. He told the Inspector General of Police that if my son is involved, he should be arrested. I told the world we harbour no thugs anywhere and the police can and should arrest any suspect. There must be strict law enforcement.”
Call for Sanctions
Adeleke urged the international community to take decisive action against those he identified as perpetrators of political violence.
“I believe we must have a deterrent against those promoting political violence. We seek visa ban against politicians sponsoring killings and violent attacks. We advocate for similar sanctions against security chiefs aiding and abetting such anti-democratic activities,” he said.
“Election is not about bloodshed. Osun deserves the peace and freedom to make their choice about who governs them. There must be consequences for those deliberately endangering the lives of our people for selfish political gains.”
Diplomatic Engagement
The Governor assured that the diplomatic team would engage with all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful environment for the August 15 polls while preaching the imperative of free and fair elections.
