Political Violence: Adeleke Seeks Visa Ban, Economic Sanctions Against Oyetola, Oyebamiji, Others
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for visa restrictions and economic sanctions against the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Hon. Wole Oke and other political figures over alleged involvement in political violence in the state.
Adeleke made the call on Monday while receiving a delegation from the British Government ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State.
According to a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke alleged that the named politicians had, through their supporters and associates, encouraged political violence that had led to killings and gun attacks in parts of the state.
The governor commended security agencies for their efforts in responding to the security situation but insisted that anyone found culpable, irrespective of political affiliation, should be arrested and prosecuted.
“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 have made it clear that we harbour no thugs anywhere, and the police can and should arrest any suspect. There must be strict law enforcement,” Adeleke said.
The governor’s remarks came following the reported killing of an Accord Party member in Ijebu-Jesa. The statement claimed that the incident brought to five the number of Accord members allegedly killed since the commencement of campaigns for the 2026 governorship election, while 15 others were said to have sustained critical injuries in separate attacks allegedly carried out by suspected APC thugs.
Adeleke urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence as well as anyone found to be sponsoring such acts.
“I believe we must have a deterrent against those promoting political violence. We seek visa bans against politicians sponsoring killings and violent attacks. We also advocate similar sanctions against security chiefs aiding and abetting such anti-democratic activities.
“Election is not about bloodshed. Osun deserves peace and the freedom to choose who governs them. There must be consequences for those deliberately endangering the lives of our people for selfish political gains,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the British delegation, Senior Political Adviser Wale Adebajo said the visit formed part of the United Kingdom’s pre-election peacebuilding engagements in Osun State.
He said the British Government, working with other development partners, remained committed to supporting a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process.
“We are in Osun as part of our pre-election peacebuilding efforts. We will engage all relevant stakeholders to encourage a peaceful atmosphere and support the conduct of a free, fair and credible governorship election on August 15,” Adebajo said.
