Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for the imposition of visa restrictions and economic sanctions on opposition leaders in the state, accusing them of sponsoring political violence that has resulted in the loss of lives.
The governor made the appeal while condemning recent incidents of violence in Osun, alleging that certain opposition figures were responsible for orchestrating attacks aimed at destabilising the state and undermining democratic governance.
According to Adeleke, those found to have financed or encouraged political violence should not only face prosecution under Nigerian law but should also be subjected to international sanctions, including travel restrictions and the freezing of assets where applicable.
He said such measures would serve as a deterrent to individuals who resort to violence to achieve political objectives.
“The sponsors of political killings and violence should not be allowed to escape accountability. They should face economic sanctions and visa bans wherever evidence establishes their involvement,” the governor said.
Adeleke stressed that his administration would continue to support investigations into violent incidents across the state and would cooperate with security agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
He expressed concern over what he described as recurring politically motivated attacks, warning that violence poses a serious threat to peace, public safety, and democratic development.
The governor urged security agencies to intensify efforts to investigate the incidents impartially and prosecute all individuals found culpable, regardless of their political affiliation.
He also appealed to the international community to monitor developments in the state and support initiatives aimed at promoting accountability and preventing further violence.
Adeleke maintained that Osun had enjoyed relative peace under his administration and pledged to protect residents from acts of intimidation, harassment, and politically motivated attacks.
He called on political parties and their supporters to embrace peaceful engagement and resolve disagreements through lawful and democratic means rather than violence.
The governor further urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.
The allegations have added to political tensions in Osun State, where rivalry between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and opposition parties has remained intense.
As of the time of filing this report, the opposition leaders accused by the governor had not publicly responded to the allegations. Security agencies have also not announced the outcome of investigations linking any individual or group to the reported incidents.
The latest development comes amid renewed calls by civil society organisations and election observers for political actors across the country to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and violence, particularly as preparations for future elections gather momentum.
Observers have also stressed the importance of allowing security agencies and the courts to determine criminal responsibility based on credible evidence, while encouraging all political stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and promote peaceful democratic participation.
