Political tensions have escalated in Osun State following two separate incidents that claimed the lives of supporters of rival political parties ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The incidents, which occurred in Esa Oke and Ede, have heightened concerns over security as political campaigns intensify across the state. The election is expected to be closely contested between incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
The first incident occurred in Esa Oke, where an Accord Party supporter identified as Aderogba, popularly known as “Rogba,” was shot dead.
According to local sources, the deceased was involved in mobilization efforts for an upcoming campaign rally in support of Governor Adeleke when he was attacked and killed by unidentified assailants.
The killing has sparked accusations and counter-accusations between the ruling Accord Party and the APC. While members of the Accord Party alleged that the victim was targeted because of his political activities, APC officials denied any involvement and described attempts to link the opposition party to the incident as unfounded.
The opposition maintained that preliminary reports suggested the killing may have been connected to existing community-related disputes, rather than politics.
In a separate incident in Ede, one APC supporter was killed and seven others injured when a commercial truck reportedly rammed into a campaign procession.
The deceased, identified as AbdulRasaq Ahmed, was participating in a street mobilization exercise for APC governorship candidate Oyebamiji when the accident occurred in the Oke Gada area of the town.
Officials of the APC Campaign Council said seven people sustained injuries in the crash, with one victim reported to be in critical condition. The injured were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Eyewitnesses claimed that officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had directed vehicles to use a single lane in order to separate traffic from campaign participants. However, the truck driver allegedly ignored the directive and drove into the procession.
During a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, APC deputy governorship candidate Benjamin Adereti called for a thorough investigation into the incident, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Following the two incidents, the Osun State Police Command announced enhanced security measures across the state.
The police said tactical deployments have been increased in identified flashpoints, while political groups intending to hold rallies or processions will now be required to obtain security clearance in advance to ensure adequate protection and traffic control.
Security agencies also appealed to political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid actions that could trigger violence as the state prepares for the governorship election.
Observers have warned that any escalation of political violence could undermine public confidence and affect voter participation in the crucial August 15 poll.
