APC accuses Osun Assembly chief whip of shooting, four injured

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Chief Whip of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Wale Akerele, popularly known as “Water,” of shooting during its campaign rally in Ilesa, leaving four people injured.

The party identified the alleged victims as Tobi Ilesanmi, a young boy who was said to have been in his mother’s shop; Mohammed, a Sienna driver who was allegedly hit by a stray bullet; Wasiu Alanide, an APC member who was allegedly shot; and Aderemi Adedeji, who was allegedly attacked with a machete.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Saturday, the Chairman of Media and Publicity of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, Engr. Remi Omowaiye, alleged that the incident occurred during a peaceful ward-to-ward campaign organised by the party.

He said the rally started from Omofe and was heading towards the party secretariat for Wards 4 and 5 when Akerele allegedly drove past the procession and fired shots into the air, causing people to scramble for safety.

Omowaiye further alleged that Akerele later returned to the scene with Amotekun personnel, who he claimed fired shots at the crowd, resulting in a stampede.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene, stressing that the APC was committed to a peaceful election.

Another APC chieftain, Folarin Fafowora, who said he witnessed the incident, alleged that the rally was almost over when Akerele’s vehicle overtook the procession. He said a gunshot was heard shortly afterwards, causing people to run in different directions.

Fafowora added that policemen were present when Akerele returned, alleging that Amotekun personnel protected him while shots were being fired. He said he had reported the incident to the police at the area commander’s office and was directed to write a statement.