OSUN UNREST: Adeleke is portraying himself as the target to garner pity, but we're the actual ones who've been harmed – Oyebamiji

Biodun Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, has leveled accusations against Governor Ademola Adeleke, alleging that he is feigning victimhood to garner sympathy ahead of the upcoming governorship poll on Saturday.

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Adeleke has consistently claimed that the APC has been attacking his administration and members of the Accord Party to spread fear before the election, but Oyebamiji has vehemently denied these allegations.

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Oyebamiji asserted that he and other APC members are the actual victims of political violence in the state, and he accused the ruling party of being responsible for the deaths of several APC members from 2023 to date.

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According to Oyebamiji, the governor is aware of the truth but is attempting to manipulate public opinion by portraying himself as a victim, when in reality, the APC and its members are the ones who have been subjected to persistent political violence in Osun State.

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He stated that during the 2022 governorship election, over 25 APC members were murdered by the party in power, and in his own local government area, the Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Remi Abass, was killed within the council secretariat last year.

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From 2023 to date, Oyebamiji claimed that numerous APC members and other Osun citizens have been killed by government agents, and the party has documented several politically motivated attacks and killings, for which they are seeking justice through the courts.

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The ongoing political violence, Oyebamiji argued, bears all the hallmarks of involvement by the government in power, and he cited the recent visit by the Inspector-General of Police to Osun State, during which allegations were made about individuals accused of criminal activities being housed within the Government House.

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Reports have also emerged of APC members being attacked in Ede, the hometown of Governor Adeleke, which Oyebamiji said is a common experience for members of the opposition party, who are bearing the scars of political violence while the Accord Party and Adeleke's government claim to be the victims.

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If elected, Oyebamiji pledged to undertake a comprehensive review of all outstanding entitlements owed to active and retired workers within the first 100 days in office and commence immediate payment.

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Additionally, he vowed to ensure the Dagbolu Dry Port becomes fully operational and to provide training and empowerment to at least 10,000 young people in information and communication technology through strategic partnerships.

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Oyebamiji also promised to institutionalize monthly meetings of the State Security Council, which would involve security agencies, traditional rulers, and local government leaders.