Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has summoned an emergency security council meeting following renewed political violence and attacks on public property ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.
The governor announced the emergency meeting amid rising tension across Osun communities over alleged acts of thuggery, destruction of campaign materials, and growing political hostility involving supporters of major political parties.
According to the governor, the urgent security meeting became necessary following recent attacks allegedly carried out by suspected hoodlums linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adeleke Moves to Tackle Rising Political Violence
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke expressed concern over the increasing incidents of violence and destruction of public assets in parts of Osun State.
The statement revealed that the emergency security council meeting was scheduled to hold at the Governor’s Office and would involve top security officials and service commanders operating within the state.
According to the statement, the primary objective of the meeting is to develop strategies aimed at preventing further political violence and maintaining public peace ahead of the governorship election.
The governor stated:
“This emergency meeting has been convened to address the recent wave of attacks and destruction of public properties allegedly carried out by suspected APC thugs.”
The governor further stressed that the state government would not tolerate any action capable of threatening peace, security, or democratic stability in Osun State.
Security Agencies Asked to Strengthen Response
Governor Adeleke also questioned the response of law enforcement agencies to the growing political tension, expressing concern over what he described as the failure to prevent attacks and make arrests in connection with the incidents.
According to him:
“We must ask why hoodlums continue to attack public properties while security agencies fail to stop such actions or arrest those responsible.”
The governor added that the security council would work on a comprehensive containment strategy to prevent future attacks and restore public confidence in the ability of security agencies to maintain law and order.
He emphasized that protecting lives, properties, and democratic activities remains a major responsibility of the government and security institutions.
Political Tension Deepens Ahead of Osun Governorship Election
The latest development comes as political tension continues to escalate ahead of the highly anticipated Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15.
Last Friday, fresh controversy erupted after the Accord party and the APC exchanged accusations over the destruction of campaign billboards and political materials across different parts of the state.
The Imole Campaign Council, which is coordinating Governor Adeleke’s re-election campaign, accused suspected APC supporters of vandalising billboards belonging to both Governor Adeleke’s campaign organisation and the Accord party.
According to the campaign council, several campaign materials and public installations were allegedly damaged by political hoodlums in what it described as deliberate attempts to create tension and disrupt peaceful political activities in the state.
The allegations have further intensified political rivalry among parties preparing for the governorship contest.
Osun APC Denies Involvement in Billboard Destruction
Reacting to the accusations, the Osun APC dismissed the allegations and described them as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
The Head of Media and Publicity Committee of the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, Oluremi Omowaiye, denied claims that members or supporters of the party were involved in any form of vandalism or political violence.
According to the APC spokesman, the allegations were part of efforts to tarnish the image of the opposition party ahead of the election.
The party insisted that it remains committed to peaceful political engagement and democratic conduct throughout the election period.
Concerns Grow Over Election Security in Osun
The growing political tension in Osun State has raised concerns among residents, political observers, and civil society organisations over the security situation ahead of the governorship election.
Many stakeholders have called on security agencies, political parties, and their supporters to avoid violence and ensure that campaigns are conducted peacefully.
Analysts warn that continued destruction of campaign materials and political confrontations could heighten instability and negatively affect voter confidence in the electoral process.
There have also been increasing calls for security agencies to remain neutral and proactive in handling politically related incidents across the state.
Adeleke Vows to Maintain Peace and Stability
Governor Adeleke reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and protecting democratic activities in Osun State.
The governor assured residents that his government would continue working closely with security agencies to prevent violence and safeguard public infrastructure.
He also appealed to political stakeholders and party supporters to avoid actions capable of causing unrest or disrupting the democratic process.
With the governorship election drawing closer, political activities are expected to intensify across Osun State, making security management and peaceful conduct key priorities for authorities and political actors alike.
