The killing of Eluyera Kolade, an Accord agent and son of the party’s Women Leader in Ikire town, Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, has ignited a political dispute between the party, the Governorship Election Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Imole Campaign Council.
This is as the Osun State Police Command confirmed that the victim died from gunshot wounds and has commenced an investigation.
The Accord, in a statement by its chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, described the killing as callous and barbaric and alleged the involvement of thugs linked to the APC.
He said, “The broad daylight killing of Kolade Oluyera is callous and barbaric, which has no place in a democratic setting. The incident reflects a pattern of violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.”
The party alleged that the killing was connected to political activities, stating that the deceased had previously served as a polling unit agent and was known for being uncompromising. It also linked recent incidents, such as the vandalism of campaign billboards in Osogbo and other areas, to rising political tension.
Accord called on security agencies to live up to their responsibilities by investigating the killing and prosecuting those responsible. It also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged that justice be served.
Similarly, the Imole Campaign Council described the killing as tragic and shocking, alleging that it followed earlier reports and complaints of violence and intimidation in the area, which it said had been brought to the attention of security agencies.
The council, in a statement by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said, “Political disagreement must never be allowed to degenerate into violence, criminal intimidation, bloodshed and extra-judicial attacks. We call for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident.”
It also urged the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to identify and prosecute all individuals connected to the killing, regardless of political affiliation.
However, the APC Governorship Election Campaign Council rejected the allegations, describing them as false, fabricated and an attempt to politicise the death of the young man.
In a statement by Kola Olabisi, the Co-chairman (Print), Media and Publicity Committee of the council, the APC said, “Linking the death of a young man to some members of our party is a ploy to gain political advantage. Violence is not part of our political culture.”
The party expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased but maintained that the circumstances surrounding the killing were yet to be determined by security agencies.
It also called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation, urging all parties to allow law enforcement authorities to carry out their duties without interference.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command confirmed that Kolade was killed by gunshot and stated that officers responded promptly after receiving information about the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer said, “Officers from Ikire Division were deployed to the scene but met some youths conveying the body to the station, where they were subsequently calmed.”
According to the police, “The body has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy to determine further details surrounding the death.”
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has also deployed additional personnel to the area to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to support ongoing investigations.
The command assured residents that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible, reiterating its commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining peace in the community.
