Photo: Osun Governor Ademola Adekele
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed that six people, including Remi Abass, the chairman of Irewole LGA council, were killed during Monday’s violence at local government secretariats, where supporters of the PDP and APC clashed over control.
The violence erupted as APC members attempted to take over the secretariats. Most councils were deserted by politicians and workers, with gates locked and no security presence.
The body of Remi Abass, the reinstated chairman of the Irewole Council, was buried in Ikire according to Islamic rites.
The APC chairman in the state, Tajudeen Lawal, who condemned the killing, directed council executives to vacate their secretariats in honour of Abass. He accused PDP hoodlums of the murder and called for the arrest of both the perpetrators and their sponsors.
The Osun State Police confirmed the deaths and condemned the violence. Police spokesperson Yemisi Opalola stated that six people were killed and many hospitalized. She confirmed that an investigation was underway and urged residents to remain calm.
Special police teams were deployed to restore order.
Election preparations for Saturday’s poll are on track, with voting materials secured, and security measures in place, according to Election Officer Abioye.
The Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, and APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, disagreed on the cause of the clashes. Igbalaye claimed to have mediated to prevent further violence, but Basiru accused him of instigating attacks on APC members.
Elder statesman Chief Abiola Ogundokun called for peace, condemning political violence and urging leaders to avoid blame and prioritize restoring order with the help of security forces.
