Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has revealed that five members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were killed amid the ongoing crisis over control of the state’s local government areas.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor indicated that the party members died as the All Progressives Congress (APC) sought to reinstate its local government chairmen, who were ousted by the courts in 2022.
“The PDP has lost five members, with several others injured,” the governor stated. “Two of the deceased were from Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government, two others were killed in Ola Oluwa Local Government, and one was lost in Ikire. We must put an end to the bloodshed.”
“I extend my condolences to the families of those affected by the APC’s illegal takeover attempt and the chaos instigated across the state by the APC and their hired thugs.”
The governor urged residents to steer clear of all local government secretariats to prevent further casualties, advising that only security personnel should remain there to avert a breakdown of law and order.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke has instructed all Osun residents, including politicians from all parties, to avoid the local government secretariats to protect public property and prevent further violence.
“In response to the ongoing illegal APC takeover of local governments in Osun State, the governor affirmed that, given the ongoing strike by local government workers, only security agencies should be allowed to oversee the secretariats,” Mr Adeleke added.
He also reassured residents of their safety and the protection of lives and property, noting that he has directed security agencies to take charge of all local government offices.
This announcement follows the governor’s recent allegations that his predecessor, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, is exploiting his familial ties with President Bola Tinubu to incite turmoil in the local government areas.
