By Ejire Folakunmi
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Ibukun Fadipe, popularly known as IBK, of promoting political violence in Ijesa-land.
In a statement, the party alleged that Fadipe is deploying force to advance his political ambition for the Ife-Ijesa Senatorial District under the Accord Party ahead of forthcoming elections in the state.
The APC claimed that political thugs allegedly linked to Fadipe have turned parts of Ijesa-land into a scene of violence, including harassment and attacks on members and supporters of the party.
According to the statement, the situation is reminiscent of the violence recorded during the 2022 governorship election, where the party alleged that several of its members were attacked.
The party further alleged that no fewer than 30 of its members and supporters were killed during past election-related violence across the state, including 17 from Ijesa-land.
It also claimed that political thugs from other states were allegedly mobilised and lodged in hotels ahead of elections, where they reportedly coordinated attacks on opposition members.
The APC alleged that such groups operated without vehicle registration numbers and targeted polling units and collation centres, disrupting the electoral process in some areas.
The party warned against a recurrence of such incidents, alleging that similar tactics may be deployed in future elections.
It called on traditional rulers, opinion leaders and stakeholders in Osun State to intervene and caution Fadipe against actions capable of inciting violence.
The APC also urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to investigate the allegations and take necessary action.
The party further questioned the source of funds allegedly used to support political activities, including the reported distribution of cash to individuals it described as political thugs.
It urged security agencies to ensure that Osun State is not turned into a theatre of political violence ahead of the elections.