Osun 2026: Alleged attacks, intimidation troubling – Speaker

Speaker of Osun House of Assembly, Mr Adewale Egbedun, has expressed concern over alleged intimidation and threats against members of Accord party in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state.

Addressing a news conference on Friday in Osogbo, Egbedun said the alleged intimidation of party members was troubling.

“I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and urgency over disturbing reports of attacks, intimidation and threats against citizens and political actors in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state in the last 48 hours.

“These actions must not be dismissed or politicised. They require immediate, independent and transparent investigation by the appropriate authorities,” he said.

Egedun particularly cited an alleged attack on the residence of an elderly woman whom he described as an elder sister to former Gov. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, saying that two of her children were taken away.

“No Nigerian citizen, regardless of political affiliation, age, social standing or location, should live in fear of armed personnel or believe that his or her home can be invaded with impunity.

“Democracy cannot survive where citizens are intimidated into silence.

“Elections cannot be free where political actors fear attacks, arbitrary arrests or the use of security agencies for partisan purposes.

“The security agencies must protect all citizens equally, irrespective of political affiliations,” he said.

The speaker called on the Federal Government, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and make their findings public.

He also called on National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, election observers, diplomatic missions and credible international human rights institutions to pay close attention to developments in the state.

“I appeal particularly to the international community: do not wait until violence becomes irreversible before paying attention.

“The protection of democracy begins with the protection of the ordinary citizen —the voter, the community leader, the political worker, the elderly woman and every Nigerian who has the constitutional right to live without fear.

“Our appeal is not for the international community to take sides with any political party.

“Our appeal is for the international community to stand on the side of truth, human rights, constitutional democracy and the rule of law,” he said.