In advance of his state’s governorship election on August 15, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for economic sanctions and visa bans against a number of political figures for allegedly encouraging political violence.
Speaking on Monday while welcoming a delegation from the British government in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke claimed that certain political figures were inciting violence through their followers, leading to murders and gun attacks throughout the state.
The governor asked security agents to step up their efforts by apprehending all suspects and their alleged sponsors, regardless of political affiliation, while also praising them for stepping in to stop violence. He reaffirmed that political violence is not tolerated in his administration.
“I don’t tolerate violence at all. I have informed the Inspector General of Police that my son ought to be taken into custody if he is implicated. No thugs are harboured here, and any suspect should be arrested by the police. Strict law enforcement is necessary, according to Adeleke.
“Recent incidents of violence, including the reported killing of an Accord Party member in Ijebu-Jesa, underscore the need for stronger action against individuals allegedly sponsoring political unrest in the state,” the governor said.
Adeleke claimed that publicly accessible remarks and deeds by certain political figures supported his call for international sanctions, arguing that those found encouraging electoral violence ought to be held accountable in addition to being prosecuted at home.
“We want politicians who support murders and violent crimes to have their visas banned. We also support comparable penalties for security chiefs who support such anti-democratic actions. Bloodshed is not the purpose of elections. He declared, “Osun deserves peace and the right to elect its own leaders.”
Responding, the British delegation, led by Senior Political Adviser Wale Adebajo, said the visit formed part of the United Kingdom’s pre-election peacebuilding engagements in Osun State ahead of the governorship election.
According to Adebajo, the British government is still dedicated to promoting free, fair, and transparent elections.
He stated that the mission would engage political parties, government institutions and other stakeholders to foster a peaceful situation before, during and after the August 15 poll.
As the Osun governorship election preparations continue, the British delegation reaffirmed its support for a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.