The tragic death of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu, Osun State, has ignited a fresh political controversy, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Imole Campaign Council exchanging accusations over the handling of the incident ahead of the state’s forthcoming governorship election.
DAILY POST recalls that the teenager, identified as Ezekiel Olapade, was reportedly killed during a shooting incident on Sunday near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu. Another person was said to have sustained injuries during the attack.
The incident has triggered widespread concern across the state and heightened political tensions, as rival political groups continue to trade blame over the circumstances surrounding the killing and the reactions that followed.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Osun APC, through its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, criticised Governor Ademola Adeleke’s visit to the bereaved family, alleging that the condolence visit was turned into a political event.
Olabisi argued that the governor should have focused solely on sympathising with the family rather than making comments the party considered politically charged.
“It was inappropriate for Governor Adeleke to turn an occasion meant for mourning into a campaign platform. Such an event required empathy and restraint, not political rhetoric,” he said.
The opposition party also faulted the governor for allegedly linking the incident to political opponents before the conclusion of police investigations.
According to Olabisi, “It was surprising that the governor appeared to assign responsibility for the killing while security agencies were still carrying out investigations into the matter.”
The APC further alleged inconsistencies in the governor’s position, noting that while he called for a thorough investigation, he had also reportedly expressed opinions regarding those behind the attack.
However, the Imole Campaign Council rejected the APC’s claims, accusing the opposition party of attempting to politicise the death of the teenager for electoral gains.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council condemned the rising wave of political violence in Osun State and urged all political actors to prioritise peace and public safety.
“The recent escalation of political violence in Osun is a threat to us all. The loss of innocent lives has no place in a civil society. Democracy cannot thrive where citizens live in fear,” Olajengbesi stated.
He also called on security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police, to ensure impartial enforcement of the law and equal protection for all residents, irrespective of political affiliation.
Olajengbesi maintained that elections should be decided through democratic engagement rather than intimidation or violence.
“Democracy demands persuasion, not coercion. Political parties should compete with ideas, policies and performance, not through actions that threaten public peace and safety,” he added.
The controversy followed allegations by the deceased’s father, Gbenga Olapade, who claimed that his son was struck by a bullet while attempting to assist his mother during the chaos.
He further alleged that armed men opened fire near a palm wine bar owned by his wife and that security personnel present at the scene failed to intervene as the attackers arrived.
As investigations continue, residents and stakeholders have called for justice for the slain teenager and renewed efforts to curb political violence in the state.
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