Osun Election: Police Debunk Killing of Four Accord Members in Ilesa, Say One Death Was Cult-Related
Osun Election: Police Debunk Killing of Four Accord Members in Ilesa, Say One Death Was Cult-Related
The Osun State Police Command has dismissed reports alleging that four members of the Accord Party were killed in Ilesa because of their political affiliation, clarifying that the incident recorded in the town involved the death of one person and was believed to be cult-related.
The clarification comes amid heightened political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, with security and allegations of politically motivated violence becoming major issues in the final days of campaigning.
The Imole Campaign Council had alleged that four Accord members were killed in Ilesa on Thursday, claiming that the victims were attacked because of their political choice and support for Governor Ademola Adeleke.
However, the police said their information did not support the claim that four Accord members had been killed.
Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that an incident occurred in Ilesa but said preliminary information available to the command indicated that it was connected to cult-related violence.
According to the police spokesperson, one person identified as Olakunle Owoeye was killed in the incident, while the command had no record of four Accord Party members being murdered.
The police clarification has consequently raised questions over the initial account of the incident, particularly as the campaign statement reportedly did not provide the names of the four alleged victims, the precise location of the alleged attack or other details that could independently establish the claim.
With political tensions running high ahead of Saturday’s election, the development underscores the importance of verifying security-related claims before circulating them, especially information capable of creating fear among voters or escalating tension between supporters of rival political parties.
Meanwhile, the Ijesa-South Campaign Council has assured residents that adequate security arrangements are being made to protect voters before, during and after the governorship election.
The council’s chairman, Dosu Babatunde, urged residents not to allow fear or unverified reports to discourage them from exercising their constitutional right to vote.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies for measures being taken to maintain peace and security in Ilesa ahead of the election.
Another political stakeholder, Jola Akintola, expressed confidence that residents of the area were prepared to embrace peace and allow the electoral process to proceed without violence.
The police clarification comes at a particularly sensitive moment as political parties intensify their final mobilisation ahead of the election. Security agencies are therefore expected to remain on heightened alert while responding quickly to incidents and misinformation capable of threatening public peace.
Residents have also been urged to remain calm, rely on verified information from security authorities and participate peacefully in the electoral process.
As Osun prepares to vote, the latest development reinforces calls for political parties and their supporters to avoid inflammatory or unverified claims and allow security agencies to investigate incidents before conclusions are drawn.
