Osun Is Bleeding, Adeleke Appeals to Tinubu to Intervene in Rising Political Tension
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the growing political tension in the state, warning that recent incidents of violence are threatening the peace and stability of Osun ahead of future elections.
Adeleke made the appeal on Monday while addressing supporters at a campaign rally in Olorunda Local Government Area. In a statement shared on his official social media platforms, the governor said the state was witnessing increasing political tension and called on the President to ensure that democratic principles are upheld.
The governor expressed concern over the reported loss of lives linked to political violence, stressing that the people of Osun deserve a peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to participate in a free, fair and credible electoral process without intimidation.
“At the campaign rally today in Olorunda Local Government Area, I appealed directly to Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Osun is bleeding, and our people will not be intimidated. His intervention is needed. The loss of innocent lives in Osun must stop. All we are asking for is simply a free and fair election,” Adeleke said.
He urged President Tinubu to act in his capacity as the leader of the nation by protecting Nigeria’s democratic values, noting that the President played a significant role in the country’s democratic struggle.
Adeleke also cautioned against actions capable of undermining the democratic process in the state, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually gather momentum.
“Mr. President must act as the father of this nation and help safeguard the democracy he fought for. I reminded the President that the 2027 general elections are also around the corner, and he should not allow his nephew, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, to ruin his name and the democracy he fought alongside many others,” the governor stated.
The governor further warned against a return to the era of political violence that marked parts of Nigeria’s political history, particularly the South-West in 1983, saying such experiences should never be repeated.
“It is our collective prayer that, as a country, we may never witness such incidents as the political violence of 1983, particularly in the South-West. Democracy works when the people freely choose their leaders, a demand that is not too much for the citizens of Osun State to make,” Adeleke added.
He maintained that his appeal was motivated by the need to preserve peace, protect lives and ensure that residents of Osun State are able to exercise their democratic rights freely.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Presidency or the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, regarding the governor’s remarks.