Adeleke wants visa ban for Osun opposition leaders over violence

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for visa bans and economic sanctions against opposition leaders in the state. He accused them of supporting political violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Adeleke made this statement on Monday when he met a delegation from the British Government. They were on a peace-building mission to Osun State before the elections.

The governor claimed that these politicians were encouraging violence through their supporters. This has led to killings and gun attacks across the state.

A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said Adeleke urged the international community to impose sanctions on politicians and security officials linked to political violence.

Adeleke praised security chiefs for their efforts to reduce violence. But he stressed that those who instigate attacks should be held accountable, no matter their political party.

He said, “I have zero tolerance for violence. I have told the Inspector General of Police that if my son is involved, he should be arrested.

“I told the world we harbour no thugs anywhere and the police can and should arrest any suspect. There must be strict law enforcement.”

The statement noted that Adeleke’s remarks came after another member of the Accord Party was killed in Ijebu-Jesa. This brings the total number of Accord members killed since the start of the 2026 political campaigns to five. Fifteen others were reported to have serious injuries from attacks allegedly by opposition thugs.

The governor called on security agencies to investigate and prosecute both the attackers and their alleged backers. He argued that statements and actions by some opposition leaders justified the call for international sanctions.

He added, “I believe we must have a deterrent against those promoting political violence. We seek a visa ban against politicians sponsoring killings and violent attacks. We want similar sanctions against security chiefs who support these anti-democratic actions.

“Elections should not be about bloodshed. Osun deserves peace and freedom to choose their leaders. There must be consequences for those putting our people's lives at risk for selfish political motives.”

The British delegation was led by Senior Political Adviser, Wale Adebajo. He said their visit was part of ongoing efforts to support peaceful, credible, and transparent elections in Osun State.

The statement quoted Adebajo as saying that the British Government would continue to engage with key stakeholders to promote peaceful conduct before, during, and after the August 15 governorship election.

Political tensions have risen in Osun recently. The ruling Accord Party and the opposition have exchanged accusations over attacks, intimidation, and violence.

Security agencies have repeatedly urged political actors and their supporters to run peaceful campaigns and avoid actions that could disrupt the electoral process.