Osun APC faults Adeleke on killing of Accord Party member

By Moromoke Akanji

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, have condemned attempt to link the recent killing of an Accord Party member in the community, Ajayi Rogba to the Director-General of the party’s Campaign Council for the Aug. 15 governorship election, Wole Oke.

Ajayi, an indigene of the town, was reportedly killed on Tuesday night by suspected thugs.

However, Gov. Ademola Adeleke during a condolence visit to the family of the deceased on Wednesday had insinuated that the Accord member was killed by thugs loyal to APC.

He also rained curses on Oke, a member of House of Representatives, who is from the area while urging the police to conduct a thorough investigation to apprehend those responsible.

But while speaking at a news conference on Friday in Esa-Oke, Prof. Siji Olamiju, who spoke on behalf of APC members in the area, said the death of Ajayi should not be turned into an opportunity for political point-scoring or propaganda.

Olamiju described such actions as insensitive to the grief of the bereaved family and detrimental to the pursuit of justice.

“APC members in Ward 7, Esa-Oke, consider it necessary to address the growing attempts by some political actors to exploit this tragedy for partisan purposes.

“We are particularly concerned that certain individuals have hastily linked this unfortunate incident to politics without allowing the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to conclude their investigations.

“Justice can only be achieved through a thorough, impartial and professional investigation, not through speculation, political rhetoric or media trials,” he said.

Olamiju also distanced Oke from the killing.

According to him, attempts to implicate the party or Oke are baseless, politically motivated and unsupported by credible evidence.

“We respectfully urge His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and all public office holders to exercise restraint and allow law enforcement agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibilities independently and without interference or premature conclusions,” he added.

Olamiju further called on the police and other security agencies to conduct a comprehensive, transparent and unbiased investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The APC remains committed to the rule of law, justice and accountability.

“We firmly maintain that whoever is found culpable after a lawful and impartial investigation—regardless of political affiliation, social status or influence—must face the full weight of the law,” he said.

He also appealed to political stakeholders to honour the memory of the deceased by allowing truth, justice and due process to prevail over politics and unfounded accusations.

(NAN)