APC, ADELEKE’S CAMP TRADE BLAME OVER KILLING OF OSUN TEENAGER AMID POLITICAL TENSION

APC, ADELEKE’S CAMP TRADE BLAME OVER KILLING OF OSUN TEENAGER AMID POLITICAL TENSION

Fresh political tension has erupted in Osun State after the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Imole Campaign Council backing Governor Ademola Adeleke exchanged accusations over the killing of a teenage boy during a violent incident in Ilobu.

The deceased, identified as Ezekiel Olapade, was reportedly killed on Sunday during a shooting incident near the gate of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu, while another individual sustained injuries during the attack.

According to reports surrounding the incident, the father of the deceased, Gbenga Olapade, alleged that a group of armed hoodlums led by an individual identified as Saheed Tanfeani stormed the area and began shooting indiscriminately after reportedly spotting a man wearing a yellow cap.

He claimed that police officers stationed at the entrance of the local government secretariat allegedly witnessed the attackers arrive in a vehicle carrying AMBO political campaign branding.

The grieving father further alleged that his 14-year-old son was struck in the head by a bullet while attempting to assist his mother, who reportedly fell while trying to escape the chaos.

Following the tragic incident, both the Osun State chapter of the APC and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s political camp offered conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the governor’s subsequent visit to the bereaved family.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, the APC accused Governor Adeleke of allegedly attempting to gain political advantage from the teenager’s death.

The opposition party claimed that the governor turned what should have been a solemn condolence visit into a political event by allegedly making remarks connected to the upcoming Osun governorship election.

The APC also criticized Adeleke’s handling of the matter, questioning comments allegedly made regarding police investigations and accusing the governor of prematurely linking the opposition party to the incident before the conclusion of official investigations.

The party argued that publicly assigning blame before the police conclude their findings could interfere with due process and raise concerns over the integrity of the investigation.

In response, the Imole Campaign Council, through its spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi, rejected the APC’s allegations and accused the opposition party of exploiting the tragedy for political purposes.

The council stated that the growing political tension and violent incidents in Osun State highlight the urgent need for all political actors to act responsibly and prioritize peace.

Olajengbesi called on security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police, to ensure impartial protection for all residents regardless of political affiliation while warning against selective enforcement of security measures.

He maintained that democratic competition must be based on policies, public trust, and persuasion rather than intimidation or violence.

“The recent escalation of political violence in Osun is a threat to everyone. The loss of innocent lives has no place in any democratic society, and democracy cannot flourish where citizens live in fear,” the statement said.

He added that political parties should focus on presenting ideas and performance records rather than engaging in actions capable of threatening public peace and safety.

The incident has added to growing concerns over political tensions ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, as stakeholders continue to call for peaceful political engagement and credible security intervention.

Authorities are yet to release the outcome of investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.