Oyebamiji Accuses State Government of Orchestrating Violence
Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for governor in Osun State, has formally accused the current state administration of being responsible for ongoing political violence within the region. Speaking to senior journalists in Lagos ahead of the scheduled August 15 governorship election, Oyebamiji asserted that he and his party are the primary victims of this persistent unrest.
The APC candidate’s statements came as part of a broader effort to counter narratives presented by the incumbent administration regarding safety and political conduct. Oyebamiji argued that the government has failed to protect its citizens and party members, instead facilitating an environment where violence against opposition figures has continued unchecked.
Dismissing Incumbent Claims of Victimhood
In his address to the press, Oyebamiji directly challenged assertions made by incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke. The governor had previously claimed that his administration and its supporters were the victims of political violence. Oyebamiji dismissed these claims, characterizing them as an attempt by the governor to gain public sympathy rather than a reflection of reality.
According to Oyebamiji, the narrative pushed by the state government is inconsistent with the experiences of APC members and other opposition figures who have faced threats and physical harm. He suggested that the governor’s allegations were strategically timed to influence public perception ahead of the upcoming electoral contest.
Citing Specific Incidents from 2022 Election
To support his allegations, Oyebamiji pointed to specific incidents that occurred during the previous gubernatorial election cycle. He alleged that more than 25 members of the All Progressives Congress were killed during the 2022 governorship election. These fatalities, he stated, were carried out by members of the then-ruling party in the state.
The Case of Remi Abass
Oyebamiji highlighted the killing of Remi Abass as a prominent example of the violence he described. Abass, who served as the Chairman of Irewole Local Government, was killed at the council secretariat. Oyebamiji cited this incident to illustrate the severity of the threats faced by local government officials aligned with his party.
The candidate emphasized that such attacks were not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of behavior attributed to the state government and its supporters. By referencing the death of a sitting local government chairman, Oyebamiji sought to underscore the tangible risks associated with political affiliation in Osun State during the previous electoral period.
Electoral Context and Upcoming Vote
The allegations were made in the context of the upcoming August 15 governorship election. As candidates prepare for the contest, claims of political violence have become a central point of contention between the APC and the incumbent administration.
Oyebamiji’s accusations place the responsibility for recent unrest squarely on the shoulders of the state government. He maintains that the current leadership has not only failed to prevent such violence but has also been complicit in it through the actions of its supporters.
As the election approaches, these conflicting narratives regarding victimhood and responsibility for political violence are likely to remain a focal point of campaign discourse. Oyebamiji’s claims provide a counter-narrative to the incumbent governor’s position, framing the opposition as the aggrieved party in the state’s political landscape.
Implications for Campaign Discourse
The dispute over who is the victim of political violence may influence voter perceptions and campaign strategies. By detailing specific deaths and alleging government involvement, Oyebamiji aims to discredit the incumbent’s claims of victimhood.
Journalists in Lagos heard these assertions as part of the pre-election media engagements. The candidate’s statements reflect a broader trend in Nigerian politics where allegations of state-sponsored or state-tolerated violence are used to mobilize opposition support and criticize current leadership effectiveness.
Verification of Claims
The claims made by Oyebamiji regarding the number of deaths and specific incidents rest on his assertion as the APC candidate. The source material notes that he cited the killing of Remi Abass at the Irewole Local Government secretariat.
While the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, has presented a different view, claiming his administration as victims, Oyebamiji rejects this perspective entirely. The article presents these as competing allegations without independent verification of the casualty figures or the attribution of responsibility for the violence cited.
The August 15 election remains the immediate event driving these public statements. Both sides are utilizing media platforms to present their versions of events, with Oyebamiji focusing on historical grievances from the 2022 cycle and Adeleke focusing on current threats to his administration.