Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for economic sanctions and visa bans on top Osun APC leaders for allegedly aiding and abetting political violence in the state ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Receiving a delegation of the British government on pre-election peace building efforts, the governor listed Blue Marine Minister Gboyega Oyetola, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Bola Oyebamiji, Hon. Wole Oke and other leaders as those actively promoting violence through their cronies and allies.
The governor’s call comes amidst another political killing of an Accord member at Ijebu-Jesa, bringing the tally to five Accord members killed and 15 critically wounded by suspected APC thugs since the commencement of the 2026 political campaigns.
While commending security chiefs for stepping in to stop the violence, Governor Adeleke accused those listed of “tactfully and openly encouraging violence”. He reiterated his zero tolerance stance and urged security agencies to arrest any suspect regardless of political affiliation.
“I have zero tolerance for violence. I have 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,” Adeleke said.
The governor said publicly available utterances and actions of top Osun APC leaders and chieftains justify his call for sanctions. He argued that deterrent measures are needed against those sponsoring 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 told the British team.
Tasking security agencies to go after suspects and their sponsors, Adeleke stressed that elections must not be reduced to bloodshed.
“Election is not about bloodshed. Osun deserve the peace and freedom to make their choice about who govern them. There must be consequences for those deliberately endangering the lives of our people for selfish political gains,” the governor told the British team led by the Senior Political Advisor, Wale Adebajo.
In response, the Senior Political Advisor assured that the British government supports a peaceful and transparent electoral process. He said the diplomatic team will engage with all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful environment for the August 15th polls.
“The team was in the state as part of pre-election peace building efforts alongside other partners, assuring that the British government supports peaceful and transparent electoral process,” Adebajo said. He added that they will preach the imperative of free and fair polls.