Oyetola condemns Osun violence after the governorship election, urging security agencies to arrest perpetrators and restore peace across the state
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola has condemned reported post-election violence in Osun State on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, urging the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies to swiftly arrest those responsible for killings and restore calm.
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Oyetola, who previously served as governor of Osun State, said he was deeply concerned by reports of escalating violence and loss of lives in parts of the state following the governorship election.
In a statement published on his X account, the minister described the attacks as a serious threat to the peace and democratic values of Osun.
“I condemn these attacks in the strongest terms. Violence against our people is a grave assault on the peace, heritage and democratic values that define our state,” Oyetola said.
He stressed that political interests, local disputes or commercial considerations could never justify the loss of human life.
“No political ambition, localised transition or commercial interest can ever justify the taking of a human life. Politics must be a vehicle for development, not a catalyst for bloodshed,” he said.
The former governor also expressed condolences to families who have lost loved ones and called for stronger security measures in areas considered vulnerable to further violence.
Oyetola urged security agencies to deploy adequate personnel to volatile locations, reclaim public spaces reportedly occupied by hoodlums and ensure that anyone found responsible for killings or other violent acts is brought to justice.
“Adequate security personnel should be deployed to volatile areas, public spaces reclaimed from hoodlums, and everyone found responsible for killings and other acts of violence promptly apprehended and brought to justice,” he said.
His intervention followed reports of violence in Ikire on Monday, where two people were feared killed during an alleged attempt to take control of a motor park at Naira and Kobo Junction.
According to reports, drivers believed to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress had previously controlled the park before another group of drivers, reportedly associated with the Accord Party, allegedly attempted to take over the facility.
The alleged dispute reportedly escalated into a clash, resulting in the deaths of two people, although the circumstances surrounding the reported fatalities remain subject to further investigation.
Oyetola also appealed to political stakeholders, community leaders and residents to avoid actions capable of worsening tensions and to pursue dialogue in resolving disputes.
“I appeal to all stakeholders and citizens to exercise restraint, reject violence and embrace dialogue in resolving disputes. The progress and prosperity of Osun must never be sacrificed for political or commercial interests,” he said.
The former governor’s appeal comes at a sensitive period for Osun, with political tensions following the governorship election creating fresh concerns over security and public order.
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For Oyetola, restoring peace requires both a firm security response and restraint from political and community stakeholders, particularly as the state seeks to move beyond the election period.
