Ruling party, Adeleke's supporters trade blame after teen's fatal shooting in Osun state

The All Progressives Congress in Osun State and the Imole Campaign Council have become embroiled in a heated exchange of accusations regarding the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu on Sunday, with the incident occurring at the gate of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat.

n

The deceased's father, Gbenga Olapade, claims that his son was struck by a bullet in the head while attempting to assist his mother, who had fallen while fleeing the scene, after a group of hoodlums allegedly led by Saheed Tanfeani opened fire indiscriminately towards a palm wine bar.

n

According to Olapade, the perpetrators arrived at the scene in a vehicle bearing AMBO colours, and police operatives stationed at the entrance of the secretariat failed to intervene, simply watching as the events unfolded.

n

The All Progressives Congress has since accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of attempting to capitalise on the teenager's killing for political gain, alleging that he turned a visit to the bereaved family into a campaign event and made comments suggesting victory in the forthcoming governorship election.

n

In a statement, APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi criticised Adeleke's handling of the matter, citing inconsistencies in his comments on police involvement and the investigation into the incident, and accusing him of bypassing the police by naming the opposition party as responsible for the killing.

n

Olabisi stated that Adeleke's actions were inappropriate and demonstrated a lack of understanding of his role as chief executive, particularly in his decision to instruct the police to investigate the crime while also making public accusations against the opposition party.

n

The Imole Campaign Council has responded with a counter statement, in which spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi dismissed the APC's allegations and accused the opposition party of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.

n

Olajengbesi urged security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police, to provide impartial protection to all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation, and warned against selective enforcement, emphasizing the need for restraint and responsible conduct from all actors in the lead-up to the 15th August, 2026 governorship election.

n

He maintained that democracy relies on persuasion and ideas, rather than violence or intimidation, and that the people of Osun would ultimately decide their leaders through the ballot, adding that the recent escalation of political violence in the state poses a threat to all citizens.

n

Olajengbesi stated that the loss of innocent lives has no place in a civil society and that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where citizens live in fear, emphasizing the need for political parties to compete with ideas, policies, and performance rather than resorting to conduct that threatens public peace and safety.