During my visit to the family of late Ezekiel Olapade yesterday, I reiterated that politics is not a do-or-die affair. Political killing should no longer be tolerated in our society, and I urge security agencies to bring the perpetrators of this evil act to justice.
No individual should lose their life because of political differences. As a people, we must reject violence, embrace peace, and uphold the sanctity of human life. My administration remains committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and that justice is served for the deceased, his family, and the good people of Osun State.
OSUN APC WILL NOT WIN THE ELECTION BY KILLING INNOCENT CITIZENS: THE BALLOT, NOT BULLETS, WILL DETERMINE THE FUTURE OF OUR STATE
It is now evident that the Osun APC, having failed to unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke through constitutional channels, has resorted to violence and the killing of innocent citizens.
The recent escalation of political violence in Osun is a threat to us all. The loss of innocent lives has no place in a civil society. Democracy cannot thrive where citizens live in fear.
The Osun APC must come to terms with a simple political reality. Elections are won through the confidence of the people and not through violence. The people of Osun State have become politically conscious, and no amount of political desperation can substitute for public trust.
If the Osun APC believes it has earned the confidence of the electorate, it should present its programmes, defend its past record, and submit itself to the judgment of the people. Democracy demands persuasion, not coercion. Political parties should compete with ideas, policies, and performance, not with conduct that threatens public peace and safety.
The Inspector General of Police and all security agencies must know that every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, must be guaranteed equal protection under the law. There must be no room for selective enforcement or impunity.
The people of Osun have demonstrated time and again that they cannot be intimidated. When the governorship election is held, it is the ballot that will determine the future of our state, not bullets, not fear, and not violence.
Signed:
Pelumi Olajengbesi, Esq.
Spokesperson
The Imole Campaign Council (TICC)
23/06/2026.
TEXT OF A WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY SENATOR KAMARUDEEN OLALERE OYEWUMI, DIRECTOR-GENERAL, IMOLE CAMPAIGN COUNCIL, ON THE ALARMING RISE IN POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND THE KILLING OF 14-YEAR-OLD EZEKIEL OLAPADE IN ILOBU, OSUN STATE.
MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2026
Gentlemen of the Press,
We have invited you here today with heavy hearts and deep concern over the dangerous descent into political assassinations that is gradually threatening the very fabric of peace, security, and democratic stability of Osun State.
Yesterday, June 21, 2026, Osun State witnessed yet another tragic and avoidable loss of human life when a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, was reportedly shot dead during a violent attack carried out by armed political thugs in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area.
The circumstances surrounding the death of this innocent child are both heartbreaking and infuriating. According to accounts from his family and eyewitnesses, Ezekiel was not a political actor, nor was he engaged in any confrontation. He was simply trying to rescue his mother who had fallen while fleeing from the scene of a sporadic shooting unleashed by a criminal gang led by one Saheed Kareem, popularly known as "Tanfeani." In that courageous attempt to save his mother, the young boy paid the ultimate price with his life, Tanfeani and his gang shot him on the head and the innocent youngster died right there on the spot.
More disturbing is the fact that the Osun State Police Command has publicly identified the alleged leader of the gang responsible for the attack. The whole world has heard the police acknowledge the identity of the principal suspect. The entire world is therefore waiting to see whether this acknowledgment will be followed by decisive action or whether it will become another addition to the growing list of unresolved political killings in Osun State.
The Imole Campaign Council unequivocally condemns this barbaric act. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Olapade family and all peace-loving people of Osun State who continue to endure the consequences of politically motivated assassinatios as we have in this context. No parent should have to bury a child because some dead end political actors have chosen violence over democratic engagement.
Available reports from eyewitnesses and residents indicate that the assailants first invaded the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat and reportedly attacked facilities within the premises, including the office of the Amotekun Corps. These actions suggest a coordinated attempt to create fear, weaken lawful security structures, and unleash terror on innocent citizens. Such conduct has no place in any civilized society and must be treated as a grave threat to public order and democracy.
For several months, we have repeatedly warned and raised several alarms that the persistent failure of law enforcement authorities to decisively confront political violence would embolden criminal elements. Unfortunately, our fears have been justified. What happened in Ilobu is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern that has seen innocent citizens repeatedly become victims of politically inspired attacks.
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