Women protest against political violence in Osun, demand credible election

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

A group of women led by the First Lady of Osun State, Mrs Titilola Adeleke, on Monday protested in Osogbo over alleged killings, arrests and intimidation of members of the ruling Accord Party ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election.

The protest started from Laro Grammar School and proceeded through Lameco to WOCDIF before terminating at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where the protesters demanded a free and fair election in the forthcoming poll.

The women called for the invitation of the senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi; House of Representatives member representing Obokun/Oriade, Wole Oke; and APC chieftain, Kehinde Raji, for questioning.

They also demanded that those they accused of involvement in the alleged killings be questioned and made to sign an undertaking to maintain peace ahead of the election.

Responding to the protesters, the Commissioner of Police deployed for the election, CP Election Samuel Etaifo, said there had been relative peace in the state since his arrival, warning that the protest could cause fresh tension if rival groups were to converge.

He said, “Let us assume that you come out now and the other party comes out, then both of you meet. What will happen? Why I am discussing with you is because we don’t want tension before the election. We want peace. We cannot conduct an election in an insecure environment”.

He said his deployment was aimed at stabilising the state, creating an enabling environment for political actors to exercise their franchise and building public confidence ahead of election day.

The commissioner assured the protesters that the police would restrategise to address their demands, while warning that anyone who attempted to manipulate the election would be arrested and taken to Abuja.