As Osun State marches steadily towards the August 15 governorship election, the growing incidents of political violence and killings across parts of the state have become a source of grave concern to every lover of democracy.
Elections are meant to provide citizens the opportunity to freely choose their leaders through ballots, not bullets. Sadly, recent developments suggest that some desperate actors may be attempting to replace democratic engagement with intimidation, fear and bloodshed.
The tragic killing of young Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu has once again brought national attention to the dangerous atmosphere gradually enveloping the state's political landscape. Reports indicate that the teenager lost his life during a violent incident allegedly linked to political tension in the community. The loss of such a young life is painful and unacceptable under any circumstance and Mr Rogba Ajayi was also killed in Eesa Oke.there was an attempt on the lives of Accord party chairman in Osogbo local government area,Asimiyu Ajibola It would be recalled that Remi Abass was killed in February 2025 over political crisis on the control local government and several political figures had reported cases of attempt killing of their lives including a foremost traditional ruler,Ataoja of Osogbo,Oba Jimoh Olanipekun.No election is worth the blood of any citizen.
The incident has naturally generated outrage among residents, civil society organisations and political stakeholders. Many have demanded justice for the victim and stronger measures to prevent further violence as the election date approaches. The growing anxiety among citizens underscores the urgent need for all stakeholders to place peace and public safety above political ambition.
Predictably, the latest incidents have triggered a familiar cycle of blame between the major political actors. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party have traded accusations over responsibility for the violence, with each side alleging persecution and victimisation of its supporters. While political parties have the right to defend their positions, the continuous exchange of accusations without concrete evidence does little to reassure the public or address the underlying security concerns.
At this critical period, Osun people expect less politics and more solutions. Political parties must recognise that inflammatory statements, provocative rhetoric and reckless accusations can further heighten tensions. Leaders of all political parties should exercise restraint and caution their supporters against acts capable of disrupting public peace.
The responsibility of maintaining law and order rests primarily on the shoulders of security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force. Citizens expect the police to act professionally, impartially and decisively in investigating every reported case of political violence. The credibility of the forthcoming election depends significantly on the confidence people have in the ability of security agencies to protect lives and property.
The Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Police Command must therefore ensure that all incidents of political violence are thoroughly investigated. Those responsible for sponsoring, planning or executing attacks must be identified and prosecuted regardless of their political affiliations. Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done.
Equally important is the need for intelligence-driven policing. Security agencies should increase surveillance in identified flashpoints, strengthen community policing initiatives and engage traditional rulers, community leaders and youth groups in intelligence gathering. Preventing violence is always more effective than responding after lives have been lost.
Political actors must also remember that democracy thrives on tolerance, dialogue and respect for opposing views. Elections come and go, but communities remain. The bitterness created by political violence often outlives electoral victories and leaves scars that generations struggle to heal. No political office is valuable enough to justify the destruction of human lives.
We call on all candidates and party leaders to publicly commit themselves and their supporters to peaceful conduct throughout the election period. Beyond signing peace accords, they must demonstrate sincerity by disciplining members who engage in violence, hate speech or acts capable of inciting unrest.
Civil society organisations, religious leaders and traditional institutions also have a role to play. They must continue to speak against violence, encourage peaceful participation and hold political leaders accountable for the actions of their followers. Silence in the face of violence only emboldens those who profit from chaos.
As Osun approaches another defining electoral moment, the state stands at a crossroads. One path leads to peaceful democratic consolidation; the other leads to fear, instability and needless bloodshed. The choice should be obvious. The perpetrators of these killings must be fished out and brought to justice. Political actors must reject violence in all its forms and embrace issue-based campaigns.
The Nigeria Police Force must rise to the occasion and demonstrate that no individual or group is above the law. Only then can the August 15 governorship election truly reflect the will of the people and strengthen the foundations of democracy in Osun State.
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