By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has condemned the reported post-election violence in Osun State, calling on security agencies to swiftly arrest those responsible for the killings and other acts of violence recorded in the state.
Oyetola, a former governor of the state, made the call in a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, 25 August, 2025 in which he described himself as “deeply concerned” by the escalating violence and loss of lives in parts of the state.
“I condemn these attacks in the strongest terms. Violence against our people is a grave assault on the peace, heritage and democratic values that define our state,” he said.
The minister went further to stress that no political ambition, localised transition or commercial interest could ever justify the taking of a human life, insisting that politics must serve as a vehicle for development rather than a catalyst for bloodshed.
“No political ambition, localised transition or commercial interest can ever justify the taking of a human life. Politics must be a vehicle for development, not a catalyst for bloodshed,” he said.
Oyetola extended condolences to families who lost loved ones and urged the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies to act swiftly to restore order.
“Adequate security personnel should be deployed to volatile areas, public spaces reclaimed from hoodlums, and everyone found responsible for killings and other acts of violence promptly apprehended and brought to justice,” he said.
He also appealed to stakeholders and residents in the state to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through dialogue, rather than through violence. “I appeal to all stakeholders and citizens to exercise restraint, reject violence and embrace dialogue in resolving disputes. The progress and prosperity of Osun must never be sacrificed for political or commercial interests,” he said.
Oyetola’s statement came amid reports of violence in the state following the governorship election.
On Monday, 24 August, 2026 two people were reportedly feared killed in Ikire after an alleged attempt to take over a motor park at Naira and Kobo Junction.
Sources disclosed that drivers allegedly loyal to the All Progressives Congress had been in control of the park before drivers said to be members of the Accord Party arrived and allegedly attempted to take it over, an incident that reportedly triggered a clash in which two people were feared killed.
