Accord member’s killing: Adeleke, Oyebamiji camps trade blame

The campaign organisations of Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, on Saturday traded accusations over the killing of the son of the Women Leader of the Accord Party in Irewole Local Government Area of the state, Kolade Eluyera.

The Imole Campaign Council, which is leading Adeleke’s re-election bid, demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, alleging that the attack was politically motivated. The Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Mr. Nola Oyebamiji,

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abiodun Ojelabi, who confirmed the incident, told our correspondent that the lifeless body of the deceased was recovered in Ikire with gunshot wounds.

“Investigation is ongoing and the Commissioner of Police has deployed more men to the area. We are working with those who brought the corpse to get more information,” Ojelabi said.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, in a statement shared with Sunday PUNCH, alleged that Eluyera was attacked late Friday near Onireke Mosque in Ikire by suspected thugs linked to the APC.

Olajengbesi alleged that several complaints and intelligence reports had earlier been lodged with security agencies over threats and attacks targeted at members of the Accord Party in the area.

He said, “This disturbing development occurred after several complaints, security reports and intelligence alerts had earlier been lodged at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ikire and the Office of the Area Commander concerning alleged kidnapping, violent intimidation, harassment and coordinated attacks targeted at members of the Accord Party in Irewole Local Government, yet no visible preventive or decisive law enforcement action was taken.

“What is unfolding in Osun State is becoming dangerously alarming, condemnable and a direct threat to constitutional democracy, public peace and political freedom.”

He further accused opposition elements of allegedly fueling political tension in the state ahead of future electoral activities.

“We understand that the growing frustration within the Osun APC stems largely from the overwhelming rejection the party continues to suffer among the people of Osun State, having failed to present any convincing alternative programme or credible governance blueprint capable of inspiring public confidence,” he added.

Olajengbesi condoled with the family of the deceased and called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to launch an independent and transparent investigation into the killing.

But reacting on behalf of the Oyebamiji campaign organisation, the co-chairman (Print), Media and Publicity Committee of the Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji Governorship Election Campaign Council, Kola Olabisi, dismissed the allegation and urged that the police be allowed to conduct a proper investigation.

Olabisi, in a statement on Saturday, described the accusation against APC members as “frivolous, fabricated and politically motivated.”

“It is uncharitable, wicked and inhuman for the Adeleke re-election campaign council to politicise the death of a young man simply to gain political advantage,” he said.

“This deliberate misinformation aimed at feeding innocent residents with falsehood is capable of threatening the peace of the state.

“Loading the death of Eluyera Kolade on members of our party is a ploy to tarnish the image of the APC, whereas violence and brigandage have never been the hallmark of our party.”

He added that Oyebamiji “remains a perfect gentleman who cannot hurt a fly” and insisted that the APC governorship candidate was not desperate for power.

Olabisi also accused the Accord Party campaign structure of attempting to exploit the tragic incident for political gain, adding that only a thorough police investigation would reveal those responsible for the killing.