By Ahmed Akanbi

Security expert and community leader, Dr. Jackson Lekan Ojo, has condemned the rising wave of political killings and intimidation in Osun State, warning that the state must not return to the era of “wetie” politics ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Ojo said politicians must stop using violence to settle scores, stressing that all candidates in the race are sons and daughters of Osun.

The ruling Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress, APC, have been trading accusations over politically motivated attacks in the state.

A few weeks ago, Kolade Eluyera, an Accord member in Irewole Local Government, was murdered in cold blood.

On June 3, 2026, Hon. Asimiyu Ajibola, Chairman of Accord Party in Osogbo Local Government, was shot multiple times by gunmen and remains in hospital.

During the violent invasion of local government secretariats in 2025 by suspected political thugs, Ismaila Ibrahim and Hon. Kasali Adebayo were killed in Ilesa while Oladimeji Taiwo and Oloyede Damilare also lost their lives in Boripe Local Government Area.

Reacting, Ojo said he was alarmed by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s public outcry over the situation.

“I watched with dismay the comment and statement made by my governor, His Excellency Jackson Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke. Honestly, what is happening today is old fashion kind of politics,” he said.

“Are we going back to the politics of ‘wetie’ of the early 60s? Are we going back to the politics of burning houses, killing people of the early 80s? No, this is a new millennium; this is a brand new generation, computerized generation with brand new mentality and brand new western exposure.”

He added: “If for the purpose of winning election some people are victimizing their brothers and sisters in Osun State, I think it is condemnable. Whosoever that is contesting today in Osun State is from Osun State. They are our brothers and our sisters. It is not supposed to be by force.”

Ojo said the governor, as Chief Security Officer, does not have direct control over the police, which explains why Governor Adeleke has been calling for the Commissioner of Police to be called to order.

Appealing to the Inspector General of Police to act swiftly, he said: “The IGP should frown at it, the Police Service Commission should frown at it, the Ministry of Police Affairs should frown at it, the National Security Adviser and the Adviser to the President on Homeland Security should frown at it. Mr President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, should frown at it.”