At least seven people have been reported dead following violent clashes between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State on Monday, February 17. Among the deceased is former Irewole Local Government Chairman, Aderemi Abbas, and other victims of the unrest.
The violence erupted after a contentious Court of Appeal ruling, which allegedly reinstated local government chairpersons and councillors that had been dismissed by the Federal High Court in 2022. This decision ignited heated tensions between the two major political factions, which soon turned deadly.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had raised alarms on Sunday, February 16, warning that the enforcement of the ruling by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, alongside certain security agencies, could lead to violence. He urged the public to hold these figures accountable should the situation deteriorate.
However, by Monday, violence broke out in several local government areas as APC and PDP supporters clashed, particularly at the council secretariats. Witnesses reported seeing thugs, armed with charms and weapons, aggressively intimidating bystanders, destroying phones of those filming the chaos, and spreading fear in the affected communities.
The police quickly intervened in hotspots such as Olorunda Local Government Area, where APC supporters attempted to seize control of the council secretariat, only to meet strong resistance from PDP loyalists. The violence spread to Osogbo, the state capital, where gunfire was heard near the Osogbo Central Local Government Area.
Both political parties have since traded accusations, each blaming the other for the violent outbreak. Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed that six individuals had lost their lives in the clashes, although other reports suggest the death toll could be higher.
In response, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of additional officers to the state to restore peace and security.
Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi issued a statement condemning the violence, describing it as a serious threat to both democracy and public safety.
The IGP also vowed to track down and prosecute those behind the bloodshed and warned that any further attempts to disturb public order would be met with swift retaliation by security forces.
Governor Adeleke, alongside other notable Nigerian leaders, has expressed deep concern over the bloodshed and the senseless loss of lives.
Tensions in the state remain high as both Adeleke and Oyetola continue to battle over the interpretation and enforcement of the Appeal Court’s ruling.
The ruling reinstated council officials who were initially removed by a 2022 Federal High Court decision, with many of the sacked officials affiliated with the APC.
The unfolding situation highlights the escalating political strife in the state, leaving the public and security forces on high alert as the violence continues to unfold across Osun.
