Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for economic sanctions and visa bans against politicians and security officials found to be sponsoring or enabling political violence ahead of the state’s 15 August governorship election.
Adeleke made the call on Monday while receiving a delegation from the British Government on a pre-election peacebuilding mission to Osun State.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke accused some opposition politicians of encouraging violence through their supporters, resulting in killings and gun attacks in parts of the state.
The governor commended security agencies for efforts to contain the violence but insisted that those responsible for instigating attacks should be investigated and prosecuted, regardless of their political affiliation.
“I have zero tolerance for violence. I have told the Inspector General of Police that if my son is involved, he should be arrested.
“I told the world we harbour no thugs anywhere and the police can and should arrest any suspect. There must be strict law enforcement,” he said.
According to the statement, Adeleke’s remarks followed the reported killing of another member of the Accord Party in Ijebu-Jesa. The governor claimed that five Accord Party members had been killed and 15 others critically injured since the start of the 2026 governorship campaign in attacks allegedly carried out by suspected opposition thugs.
He argued that politicians and security officials found to be promoting or enabling political violence should face international sanctions.
“I believe we must have a deterrent against those promoting political violence. We seek a visa ban against politicians sponsoring killings and violent attacks. We advocate for similar sanctions against security chiefs aiding and abetting such anti-democratic activities.
“Election is not about bloodshed. Osun deserves the peace and freedom to make their choice about who governs them. There must be consequences for those deliberately endangering the lives of our people for selfish political gains,” Adeleke said.
The statement said the British delegation was led by Senior Political Adviser Wale Adebajo, who described the visit as part of ongoing efforts to promote peaceful, credible and transparent elections in the state.
According to the statement, Adebajo assured the governor that the British Government would continue engaging relevant stakeholders to encourage peaceful conduct before, during and after the 15 August governorship election.
Osun has experienced heightened political tension in recent months, with the state’s major political parties exchanging allegations of attacks, intimidation and other violent incidents.
The Police have repeatedly urged political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid actions capable of undermining the electoral process.
