Daud Olatunji
Violence erupted across Osun State on Monday, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including the former chairman of Irewole Local Government, Mr. Aderemi Abbas.
The bloodshed followed fierce clashes between supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), exacerbated by a contentious Court of Appeal ruling regarding local government elections.
The violence, which involved the use of guns, machetes, and other weapons, was most intense in local government areas like Ikire, Iragbiji, and Olaoluwa, as rival groups fought over control of council secretariats.
Abbas was reportedly gunned down in Ikire after a confrontation between APC and PDP supporters.
Two others were killed in Iragbiji, with further fatalities were recorded in Isokan and Olaoluwa.
Several others were wounded in the skirmishes, prompting Governor Ademola Adeleke to call for accountability from former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and local security chiefs, accusing them of fueling the unrest.
As tensions mounted in Osun, the Inspector-General of Police ordered the deployment of additional tactical squads to restore order.
The police condemned the violence, labelling it a serious threat to democracy and public safety. Eyewitnesses described an atmosphere of intimidation, with hoodlums armed with charms and weapons targeting perceived political opponents.
Meanwhile, in Lagos State, another political crisis unfolded at the State House of Assembly, where operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to enforce security measures amid tensions surrounding the leadership of the Assembly.
Lawmakers, including Speaker Mojisola Meranda, found themselves locked out of the chamber as DSS agents, reportedly acting on instructions from the
Assembly’s acting clerk, sealed off key offices, including those of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
This sparked a chaotic confrontation as the lawmakers forcibly entered the chamber, condemning the DSS’s actions and reaffirming their support for Meranda’s leadership.
The ongoing turmoil has led to calls for intervention from President Bola Tinubu, with concerns that the DSS’s actions violated legislative procedures and undermined democratic processes.
In response to the unfolding crisis, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration saw a shakeup in security leadership.
The Police Service Commission announced the replacement of Commissioner of Police Lanre Ishola with Moshood Jimoh, a former spokesperson for the police.
The move comes amid growing concerns about the role of security agencies in the state’s political battles.
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