The Imole Campaign Council has requested official state honours for victims of political violence in Osun State, following a series of deadly attacks, shootings, and arrests targeting Governor Ademola Adeleke’s supporters ahead of the August 15 election.
The proposal comes amid allegations that opposition-backed thugs and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are attempting to cripple grassroots mobilization through coordinated violence and intimidation. The campaign group strongly condemned the incidents and called on the police to maintain neutrality rather than being used to hound political opponents.
According to the council, multiple supporters have been killed in recent months, including Kolade Eluyera in Ikire, Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu, Ajayi Rogba in Ẹsa-Òkè, and Timilehin Oni. Nearly a dozen other campaign members—including Asimiyu Ajibola and Samuel Saliu suffered severe gunshot injuries, while over 100 focal campaigners have allegedly faced arbitrary detention.
While acknowledging that no recognition can fully measure up to the victims’ sacrifices, the campaign council maintained that state honors are necessary to recognize those who stood against oppression. Further details regarding the honours will be communicated in due time.
