Tensions surrounding the high-stakes political landscape in Osun State have reached a boiling point as the campaign organization of Governor Ademola Adeleke has formally called on law enforcement authorities to arrest and prosecute the lawmaker representing Osun East Senatorial District, Senator Francis Fadahunsi. The request comes in the wake of a viral campaign video in which the federal lawmaker allegedly uttered inflammatory comments targeting rival political members ahead of the state’s governorship election.
Speaking on behalf of the governor’s campaign council, spokesman Pelumi Olajengbesi urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force to take immediate, decisive action to avert electoral violence and ensure that no individual operates above the law.
Controversial Remarks Spark Widespread Outrage
The controversy stems from a video recording circulated across social media platforms where Senator Fadahunsi, speaking in his native dialect in Ilesa, allegedly directed political supporters to launch physical attacks on opponents, specifically referencing members of the Accord Party. The remarks allegedly extended to threatening the families, wives, and children of opposing politicians, alongside calls to deny targeted individuals their constitutional right to vote.
Addressing press representatives, Olajengbesi described the senator’s statements as a direct incitement to violence, a violation of the Electoral Act, and a serious threat to national security.
“This is not mere political rhetoric; it is a clear call to bloodshed,” Olajengbesi stated. “Nobody has the legal or moral right to order the attack of any citizen or deny the electorate their democratic franchise. The security agencies must demonstrate absolute neutrality by immediately investigating, arresting, and prosecuting Senator Fadahunsi to preserve public peace.”
Fadahunsi Defends Comments, Claims Video Was Doctored
In response to the growing backlash, Senator Fadahunsi dismissed the accusations, maintaining that his statements were contextually twisted and maliciously edited by political adversaries to smear his reputation.
Clarifying his position after an interrogation session at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo, the lawmaker argued that his words were figurative rather than literal. He explained that he was merely urging his supporters to defeat opposing candidates politically through a decisive democratic turnout at the ballot box—a phrase he termed as “killing them with votes.”
Furthermore, Fadahunsi accused rival political factions of sponsoring violence against members of his party in the Osun East Senatorial District, insisting that his campaign remains committed to peaceful political engagement.
Human Rights Groups and Judiciary Intervene
Despite the lawmaker’s clarification, major civil society organizations and human rights watchdogs have added their voices to the call for accountability.
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): The NHRC issued a firm condemnation of the statements, labeling the viral video an indirect “licence to kill” and recommending a formal suspension alongside criminal prosecution.
- Amnesty International: The global rights body warned that political leaders must be held accountable for hate speech and reckless remarks capable of triggering electoral violence.
- Judicial Directives: Adding legal weight to the demands, an Abuja Magistrate’s Court ordered the Assistant Inspector-General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and submit a formal report.
Call for Neutrality and Public Peace
The campaign spokesman for Governor Adeleke reiterated that peace remains non-negotiable as voters head to the polls. He emphasized that selective justice or negligence by security personnel would send a dangerous signal to the public.
“The people of Osun State deserve a peaceful environment to exercise their civic rights,” Olajengbesi added. “We urge the Inspector-General of Police to prove to Nigerians that state institutions remain firm against political thuggery and hate speech, regardless of the political status of the offender.”
Security agencies have assured residents of heightened surveillance across all local governments to prevent potential violence and maintain law and order.
