Religious Leaders Condemn Killing of Accord Party Members, Demand Justice in Osun
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Chairmen of the Religious Engagement Committees for the re-election campaign of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke have condemned the reported killing of members of the Accord Party and attacks on other innocent residents in Osun State, describing the incidents as a serious threat to peace, democracy and the rule of law.
The position was contained in a joint statement signed by the Chairman of the Islamic Religious Engagement Committee, Fadilatul Sheikh Imam Abdullahi Olohunlomoerue (JP), the Chairman of the Christian Religious Engagement Committee, Bishop Seun Adeoye, and the Chairman of the Traditional Religious Engagement Committee, Prince Kehinde Oloke, following their meeting held on Thursday at the Accord Party Secretariat, Imole House, Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo.
The religious leaders described political violence, intimidation and attacks on innocent citizens as unacceptable, insisting that such acts have no place in a democratic society.
“We strongly condemn the reported attacks and killing of members of the Accord Party and other innocent citizens in Osun State. Political violence, intimidation and attacks on innocent people have no place in a democratic society and must not be tolerated.”
They urged all political actors in the state to conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly, warning against actions capable of creating tension or undermining public peace.
The leaders also called on the Commissioner of Police in Osun State and other security agencies to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the reported incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“We urge the Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into these incidents, ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice, and uphold fairness, professionalism and impartiality in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.”
According to the religious leaders, no individual or group should be allowed to take the law into their own hands, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government and security agencies.
They expressed sympathy with the families of those who lost their lives in the attacks, praying that Almighty Allah grants the deceased eternal rest and comforts their loved ones during the difficult period.
While condemning all forms of violence, they urged residents of Osun State not to be discouraged by the actions of individuals seeking to disrupt the peace of the state.
The leaders appealed to citizens to remain peaceful, law-abiding and steadfast in their support for the administration of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, noting that the government has continued to prioritize peace, inclusive governance, development and the welfare of the people.
They further called on residents across the state to sustain their support for the governor’s developmental agenda and re-election bid, saying the progress recorded in Osun State should not be derailed by violence, intimidation or political provocation.
The religious leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, unity, religious tolerance and harmonious political engagement as the state approaches another electoral season.