Adeleke's team asks for investigation into Osun political violence

The Imole Campaign Council has urged the National Human Rights Commission to quickly look into the killings, shootings, attacks, and damage to property linked to political issues in Esa Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State.

This appeal comes after new tensions in the community following the reported murder of Dele Ayegbo, who is said to be a nephew of Wole Oke, the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress governorship campaign. This incident happened on Wednesday night.

In a letter dated August 13, 2026, and signed by Pelumi Olajengbesi, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, the group asked the NHRC to set up an independent panel to investigate political violence in Esa Oke.

The letter called for an investigation into Ayegbo's killing as well as the June 23 murder of Ajayi Aderogba, known as “Rogba”. Aderogba was reportedly shot dead in the community and was a supporter of the Accord Party.

"The killing of any Esa Oke resident, whether they belong to Accord, APC, or any other party, is not acceptable. It needs a fair, independent, and thorough investigation," the letter said.

The council expressed worry over the allegations surrounding Aderogba's death and the mixed political claims that followed it. Wole Oke and other APC members have denied any involvement in the killing and have asked for a fair investigation.

"It is exactly because of these conflicting stories that an independent investigation by the National Human Rights Commission is necessary," the letter stated.

Regarding Ayegbo's murder, the council condemned the act and rejected any attempts to blame anyone without a proper investigation.

"I condemn the murder of Mr. Ayegbo fully and without any reservations," Olajengbesi said in the letter. He added that "nobody should be killed because of politics, and no one responsible for murder should be shielded because of political ties."

The letter also asked the NHRC to look into claims of political incitement and examine statements made by political figures during the campaign. It specifically asked the Commission to gather and analyze video evidence of alleged incendiary remarks, understand their context, and see if they could encourage political violence.

The council further called for an investigation into how the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies responded to past complaints. They want to know if suspects pointed out by victims or witnesses were arrested, questioned, released, or prosecuted.

The petition stated that the investigation should cover "all politically linked killings in Esa Oke during the relevant time period". This includes reported shootings, assaults, injuries, intimidation, home invasions, vandalism, and destruction of residential, commercial, and political properties.

The council is asking for a Special Independent Panel of Inquiry to gather evidence from victims, eyewitnesses, families of the deceased, political parties, community leaders, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.

They also want the NHRC to make an urgent visit to Esa Oke and the places where the attacks took place.

Among other requests, the council wants anyone found with credible evidence of wrongdoing to be investigated and prosecuted, regardless of their political ties, position, or status.

They also called for proper compensation for victims and families whose rights were violated, as well as immediate security measures to protect residents during the ongoing election period.

The council emphasized that their demand is not to protect any political party from accountability.

"This petition is not made to support any political party," it said. "It is a call for the protection of human life, the truth, and accountability for those responsible for violence, no matter their political ties, status, or connections."

This appeal comes as worries over election-related violence in Osun State grow. Recent reports have shown political parties trading accusations after the killing in Esa Oke. Governor Ademola Adeleke has also criticized the violence and damage to property in the area.

The petition urged the NHRC to treat this issue as urgent, warning that failing to act could lead to more deaths and retaliatory violence.