By Jelili Gbadamosi
The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has called for increased security measures across Ijeshaland ahead of Saturday’s Osun governorship election, alleging threats of violence against members and supporters of the Accord.
The council also called for the arrest and prosecution of Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi over an alleged threat against Accord supporters in the area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Chairman, Media and Publicity, Bamidele Salam, TICC said the demand followed a trending video in which Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, allegedly called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to attack Accord supporters.
The council said the alleged comments were particularly disturbing ahead of the election, urging security agencies to protect voters, political party supporters and residents across the six local government areas in Ijeshaland.
The affected areas are Obokun, Oriade, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Atakumosa East and Atakumosa West Local Government Areas.
TICC alleged that the video corroborated information it had received concerning the movement of suspected thugs, hoodlums and persons allegedly impersonating police officers into Ilase, Fadahunsi’s hometown, and other communities in the area.
The council further alleged that the senator invoked “federal might” while threatening that Accord supporters could be prevented from voting despite presenting their Permanent Voter Cards at polling units.
Describing the alleged remarks as an incitement to violence, the council urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to investigate the matter and, if appropriate, arrest and prosecute the senator in accordance with the law.
TICC also called on security agencies to investigate allegations of armed thugs and suspected fake policemen being housed in Ilase and other parts of Ijeshaland.
The campaign council further raised allegations concerning the activities of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), claiming that an aide of Fadahunsi, identified as ASP Wemimo, had led IRT personnel to the homes of Accord leaders in the area.
It also alleged that its House of Representatives candidate, Alaba Popoola, was abducted by the team on Fadahunsi’s instructions and remained in police custody.
The council said security agencies should investigate the allegations and ensure that all political actors comply with the law ahead of the election.
TICC urged residents to remain calm, avoid violence and exercise their constitutional right to vote, while warning that it would hold Fadahunsi accountable for any violence allegedly directed at Accord members in Ijeshaland and other parts of Osun State.
Senator Fadahunsi was not quoted in the statement and his response to the allegations was not included.
