How thugs killed my husband — Widow of slain Accord party member

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….Adeleke Offers Educational Support to Four Children

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By Shina Abubakar

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OSOGBO — The widow of an Accord Party member allegedly killed by gunmen in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, has recounted the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death, alleging that he was shot in her presence by assailants linked to local political violence.

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The deceased, Aderogba Ajayi, an indigene of Esa-Oke and member of the Accord Party, was reportedly killed on Tuesday night by suspected thugs.

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Speaking during a condolence visit by Governor Ademola Adeleke to the family on Wednesday, Mrs. Tolulope Aderogba narrated how the incident occurred and called for justice for her late husband.

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According to her, she was with her husband when a man identified as Oladapo arrived on a motorcycle and urged him to accompany him to meet another individual identified as Omoaje.

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She said her husband declined the invitation, insisting that Omoaje could contact him directly if he needed to see him.

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Mrs. Aderogba further alleged that Oladapo repeatedly pressured her husband to accompany him and also asked whether he planned to attend a meeting with politician Wole Oke the following day, an invitation he also declined.

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She said despite repeated calls from her and one of their daughters for her husband to leave the scene, he remained engaged in conversation with Oladapo.

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According to her, a vehicle later arrived carrying several individuals, while two other men alighted and approached the area where her husband was standing.

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She alleged that one of the men fired at her husband twice but missed before another round of gunshots was fired, causing him to collapse.

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“I tried every effort to carry him, but his weight was too much for me. We later got help and rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead,” she said.

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The widow appealed to Governor Adeleke to ensure justice for her husband and provide support for their four children.

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Responding, Governor Adeleke assured the family that his administration would support the education of the deceased’s children and work to ensure justice is served.

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The governor also directed the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing, particularly as specific individuals had been mentioned in connection with the incident.

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Adeleke further called on political stakeholders in the state to discourage violence and promote peaceful political engagement ahead of future elections.

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He emphasized the need for security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring anyone found culpable to justice.

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The killing has generated concern in Esa-Oke and surrounding communities, with residents calling for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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