The Commissioner of Police in charge of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, Samuel Etaifo, explained on Wednesday why they invited Senator Francis Fadahunsi from Osun East. This invitation came after a comment he reportedly made.
In a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, and released in Osogbo, Etaifo condemned Fadahunsi's statement. The senator allegedly said any member of the Accord Party seen in Ilesa before Saturday’s governorship election should be killed.
Etaifo said, “At this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint, promote peace, and refrain from making comments that could heighten tension or undermine public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements for the upcoming election.”
He also stressed that the police are committed to neutrality and professionalism. They will protect democratic values. Etaifo stated that the police would not accept any act or words that could incite violence or disrupt public peace in the state.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to clarify his statement and promote understanding in the interest of peace and security,” he said.
Etaifo made it clear that the invitation should not be seen as intimidation. Instead, it is a proactive step to prevent rising tensions and ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and credible governorship election in Osun State.
He urged all political actors, their supporters, and the public to follow the law, avoid inflammatory language, and express their grievances through legal means.
“The command remains committed to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the election and urges all stakeholders to prioritize the peace and stability of Osun State over party interests,” the statement partly read.
The PUNCH reported that Osun State Police Command summoned Fadahunsi, who is an APC lawmaker, over a threat he allegedly made against Accord Party members ahead of Saturday’s election.
Abiodun Ojelabi, the spokesperson for the command, confirmed this during a phone interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday.
Fadahunsi and Francis Eniade, APC candidate for Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo Otin Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, faced backlash on Tuesday for allegedly threatening Accord Party members before Saturday’s governorship election.
In a video that circulated on social media on Tuesday, Fadahunsi spoke in Yoruba, saying any Accord member seen in Ilesa before the election would be killed.
Witnesses at the event where Fadahunsi made the controversial comment told The PUNCH he spoke at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in Ilesa. This was during a protest against the alleged killing of three APC members in Ilesa on Tuesday.
Fadahunsi said in Yoruba, “How many people have you seen the APC kill? We are here to tell you that until the day of the election, if we see any Accord member in Ilesa, we will kill him.”
In another viral video obtained on Tuesday, Eniade spoke at a campaign rally. He said no Accord member should come out to vote in Odo Otin Local Government Area on election day.
Eniade stated in Yoruba, “I was only waiting for today before I talked. I swear to God, anyone who is not an APC member should not come out on election day. If you said you won’t listen to us, we have warned you ahead. All the votes in Odo-Otin belong to the APC.
“Tell Egbedun (Osun House of Assembly Speaker) that I don’t have his time. I am his elder brother. Accord Party can’t vote in Odo-Otin. I am the one who said so. To the APC members, go back to your ward and unit and tell them that anybody who is not an APC member should not come out to vote.”
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, responded to Fadahunsi’s threat. While speaking with journalists in Osogbo, he called for the lawmaker’s arrest. He said the senator's words could lead to mass killing.
The governor mentioned that he talked to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, about the matter. He also demanded an investigation and arrest of Fadahunsi, adding that the IGP confirmed the video exists and promised immediate action.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇