Fresh political violence has erupted in Osun State after the convoy of Dr. Sekinat Oyebamiji, wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, came under attack in Ede South Local Government Area. The incident has heightened concerns over security ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for later this month.
The attack reportedly occurred on Sunday evening shortly after Dr. Oyebamiji concluded a political engagement in Alajue Ward 2, where she met with party supporters and residents as part of the APC’s campaign activities. She was accompanied by Princess Bukola Adereti, the wife of the party’s deputy governorship candidate, during the visit.
According to eyewitness accounts, the convoy was ambushed around 7:00 p.m. while leaving the venue. The attackers, said to be armed, allegedly descended on members of the convoy, causing panic as supporters and residents fled the area for safety. Despite the attack, Dr. Oyebamiji and Princess Adereti escaped unharmed. However, one member of the convoy sustained serious head injuries during the incident and was rushed to a medical facility for treatment.
The injured victim was identified as the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Sekona Branch. The incident temporarily disrupted movement around the Alajue and Sekona axis as residents sought safety amid the confusion.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ede South Local Government, Hon. Kolawole Salami, condemned the attack and called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation. He urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to identify those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Salami also alleged that the attackers were loyalists of the Accord Party. However, the allegation had not been independently verified, and the Accord Party had not issued an official response at the time of reporting.
The incident comes against the backdrop of growing political tension in Osun State as parties intensify campaigns ahead of the governorship election. In recent weeks, security agencies have repeatedly expressed concern over isolated incidents of violence and have urged political actors to conduct peaceful campaigns.
Earlier, the Osun State Police Command convened a stakeholders’ meeting involving political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies to address the rising tension. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan warned politicians and their supporters against violence, intimidation and the destruction of campaign materials, stressing that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Political observers have called on all parties to exercise restraint and allow security agencies to carry out impartial investigations into the latest attack. They noted that peaceful campaigns and adherence to democratic principles are essential to ensuring credible elections.
With the governorship poll drawing closer, security agencies have assured residents that adequate measures are being implemented to safeguard voters, election officials and political stakeholders. Authorities have also appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
The latest attack has further underscored concerns about election-related violence in Osun State, reinforcing calls for all political actors to prioritise peace and respect the democratic process as the state prepares for the crucial governorship election.
