Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on the international community to impose strict economic sanctions and visa bans on opposition politicians accused of instigating electoral violence.
The governor made the appeal on Monday during a meeting with a visiting British Government delegation, led by Senior Political Adviser Wale Adebajo, who were in the state on a pre-election peace-building mission ahead of the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke accused certain opposition figures of actively encouraging their supporters to launch violent attacks, which have resulted in gunfire and fatalities across the state.
He urged foreign governments to extend these penalties to any security personnel found to be aiding or enabling anti-democratic activities.
The governor’s demands follow a string of violent incidents in the state, including the recent killing of an Accord Party member in Ijebu-Jesa.
The attack brings the reported toll of Accord Party fatalities to five since the start of the 2026 election campaign, with an additional 15 members sustaining severe injuries.
Stressing his commitment to a peaceful electoral process, Governor Adeleke stated that law enforcement agencies must hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of their status or political affiliations.
“I have zero tolerance for violence. I have told the Inspector General of Police that if my son is involved, he should be arrested,” Adeleke said. “Election is not about bloodshed. Osun deserves the peace and freedom to make their choice about who governs them.”
Speaking on behalf of the British delegation, Wale Adebajo noted that the diplomatic visit is part of ongoing efforts to support a peaceful, credible, and transparent election in Osun State.
He assured the governor that the British Government would maintain active engagement with all major stakeholders to promote peaceful conduct before, during, and after the upcoming polls.
With tensions rising between the ruling Accord Party and the opposition, security agencies have issued renewed warnings to all political actors and party loyalists, urging them to conduct campaigns peacefully and respect the democratic process.
