Murder of Accord Party Member: Osun APC Accuses Adeleke of Political Grandstanding

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, have rejected attempts to link the recent killing of an Accord Party member, Ajayi Rogba, to the party's Director-General of the governorship campaign council, Wole Oke, insisting that only a thorough police investigation can establish responsibility.

Ajayi, an indigene of Esa-Oke, was reportedly killed on Tuesday night by suspected thugs, sparking widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over political violence ahead of the state's governorship election.

The controversy intensified after Governor Ademola Adeleke, during a condolence visit to the deceased's family on Wednesday, suggested that the victim was allegedly killed by thugs loyal to the APC. The governor also called for a comprehensive police investigation and criticised Wole Oke, who represents the area in the House of Representatives.

However, speaking at a press conference in Esa-Oke on Friday, Prof. Siji Olamiju, on behalf of APC members in Ward 7, condemned what he described as efforts to exploit the tragedy for political purposes.

He argued that the circumstances surrounding the killing should not be turned into a platform for partisan accusations while security agencies are still investigating the incident.

"We consider it necessary to address the growing attempts by some political actors to exploit this tragedy for partisan purposes," Olamiju said.

He maintained that justice can only be achieved through a thorough, impartial and professional investigation, warning against speculation, political rhetoric and what he described as media trials.

According to him, the APC and Wole Oke have no connection with the incident, describing allegations against the lawmaker as baseless, politically motivated and unsupported by credible evidence.

Olamiju urged Governor Adeleke and other public office holders to exercise restraint by allowing the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference or premature conclusions.

He also called on investigators to conduct a transparent, comprehensive and unbiased probe capable of identifying those responsible for the killing.

"The APC remains committed to the rule of law, justice and accountability," he said.

"We firmly maintain that whoever is found culpable after a lawful and impartial investigation, regardless of political affiliation, social status or influence, must face the full weight of the law."

He further appealed to political leaders and stakeholders across party lines to honour the memory of the deceased by allowing due process to prevail over political interests, stressing that only the truth established through credible investigation would serve the cause of justice.

The police have yet to conclude investigations into the killing, and no official findings identifying the perpetrators have been announced.