Seven individuals, including a former local government chairman, have lost their lives in Osun State following a clash between members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Party (APC).
The incident, which occurred on February 18, 2025, is reportedly linked to escalating tensions between supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke and former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
The altercation began when sacked local government chairmen, affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), attempted to resume duties, following a contentious Court of Appeal ruling allegedly reinstating APC-elected local government chairmen and councillors, leading to confrontations with supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The ensuing chaos resulted in the death of an APC member, Remi Abbas, who was a former chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, and six others.
A trending video shows Abbas lying on the ground in a pool of his own blood with severe injury on his head.
Multiple sources confirm the fatalities and the political undertones of the violence.
Governor Adeleke has accused Oyetola of inciting unrest, alleging that violent activities, including the destruction of campaign materials, have surged since Oyetola’s return to the state.
Violence-rocked communities include Ikire, Iragbiji, the headquarters of Boripe Local Government Area, where two persons were reportedly shot dead, Olaoluwa, and Isokan areas of the state.
There was tension in other local governments across the state, including Osogbo Central Local Government Area, Oke Baale, and Atakumosa West Local Government.
In a statement, Adeleke emphasized the need for peaceful political engagement and directed security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the violence.
In response, Oyetola’s media aide, Ismail Omipidan, dismissed the allegations as mischievous and unfounded.
He challenged the state government to provide evidence of any violent incidents associated with Oyetola since his return, asserting that the PDP’s history of violence is well-documented.
The Osun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident, with heightened security measures implemented across the state to prevent further escalation.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
