Osun Election: Fadahunsi Raises Concern Over Killings in Ilesa

The Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Fadahunsi, has raised concerns over alleged killings in Ilesa ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

Fadahunsi, a member of the All Progressives Congress, said 12 people, including some APC members, had reportedly been killed in recent violence in the area.

The development followed reports of shootings in parts of Ilesa on Tuesday, where three APC members, including a women leader in Ward 4, were reportedly killed around the Igbogi area. The incident prompted security agencies to carry out a joint show of force in the town.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Fadahunsi alleged that the violence was being deliberately created to frighten residents and discourage them from participating in the election.

The senator further claimed that more than 40 people had been killed across the senatorial district within the past year, accusing the state government and security agencies of failing to stop the attacks.

He alleged that areas regarded as strongholds of the APC had been targeted in a way that could reduce voter turnout during the election.

Fadahunsi recalled several incidents of violence in Ijesa land, including a crisis over the control of local government administration in which he alleged that four people were killed and 16 others suffered gunshot injuries.

He also referred to violence in Esa-Oke in April 2025, claiming that four people lost their lives while 12 others sustained gunshot wounds.

The senator accused unnamed political actors and government officials of having links to some of the incidents, although he did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.

He also alleged that individuals connected with cult groups had been used to carry out attacks in the area and mentioned Solomon Adefioye, popularly known as Solo Iwara, in connection with his claims.

Fadahunsi said the situation had created fear among residents and could affect their willingness to come out and vote on Saturday.

He also alleged that former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, and Remi Omowaiye were receiving medical treatment following attacks.

The senator’s claims come amid rising political tension in Osun as parties intensify their activities ahead of the governorship election.

Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier accused Fadahunsi of making statements capable of inciting residents against the Accord Party and called for his arrest and prosecution.

The senator has continued to raise concerns over the security situation in Osun East, while security agencies have stepped up their presence in areas affected by recent violence ahead of the poll.