Adeleke wants visa ban, economic sanctions for politicians linked to Osun violence

Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State has called for visa bans and economic sanctions against politicians found to be sponsoring or aiding political violence ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State.

Speaking while receiving a delegation of the British Government on a pre-election visit to Osun, the governor alleged that Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, APC Governorship candidate; Francis Fadahunsi, Senator, representing Osun East; Wole Oke, lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency and some other political leaders were encouraging violence through their supporters.

While commending security chiefs for stepping in to stop the violence, the governor accused those listed as tactfully and openly encouraging violence, declaring again his stance against violence and a call on security agencies to arrest any suspect no matter the political affiliation.

“I have zero tolerance for violence. I have told the Inspector General of Police that if my son is involved, he should be arrested. I told the world we harbour no thugs anywhere and the police can and should arrest any suspect. There must be strict law enforcement”, the governor said.

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Governor Adeleke, who tasked security agencies to go after suspects and their sponsors, said publicly available utterances and actions of top Osun APC leaders and chieftains justify his call for economic sanctions and visa ban on the listed APC leaders.

He said, “I believe we must have a deterrent against those promoting political violence. We seek visa ban against politicians sponsoring killings and violent attacks. We advocate for similar sanctions against security chiefs aiding and abetting such anti-democratic activities.

“Election is not about bloodshed. Osun deserves the peace and freedom to make their choice about who govern them. There must be consequences for those deliberately endangering the lives of our people for selfish political gains.”

Wale Adebajo, the Senior Political Advisor, who led the British team, informed the governor that the team was in the State as part of pre-election peace building efforts alongside other partners, assuring that the British Government supports peaceful and transparent electoral process.

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He assured that the diplomatic team would engage with all stakeholders to ensure peaceful environment for the August 15th, 2026 polls while preaching the imperative of free and fair polls.