Tension has gripped Esa-Oke, a historic town in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, following the killing of an Accord Party member, Aderogba Ajayi, popularly known as “Rogba,” by unidentified gunmen.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, has sparked grief and outrage among residents and political supporters, raising fresh concerns about security and political violence ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
According to reports, Ajayi was attacked and shot by gunmen in front of his family residence in Esa-Oke. He was said to have sustained fatal injuries and died shortly after the attack.
Sources within the Accord Party described the deceased as an active member of the party and a key mobiliser in the community. Reports indicated that he was involved in preparations for a planned political event in the town before the attack occurred.
The killing has drawn widespread condemnation from political stakeholders and community leaders. The Accord Party expressed shock over the incident and called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The development comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State ahead of the governorship election. Political observers have warned against acts of violence capable of undermining the democratic process and threatening public safety.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who visited the family of the deceased, described the killing as tragic and unacceptable. He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and prosecute the perpetrators. The governor also appealed to residents and political actors to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
Meanwhile, allegations and counter-allegations have emerged from political actors over the circumstances surrounding the attack. However, no official findings have been released by security authorities, and the identities of the gunmen remain unknown. A federal lawmaker, Oluwole Oke, has publicly denied allegations linking him or his political associates to the killing and called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The killing of Ajayi is the latest in a series of politically linked violent incidents reported in Osun State in recent weeks. Earlier this month, the chairman of the Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government Area survived a gun attack, further fueling concerns about the security situation in the state.
As investigations continue, residents of Esa-Oke and political stakeholders have called for calm while urging law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for the slain party member and prevent further violence ahead of the election.
