The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called for economic sanctions and visa bans against former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Bola Oyebamiji, Hon. Wole Oke, and other political figures over their alleged involvement in political violence in the state.

 

Adeleke made the call on Monday while receiving a delegation from the British Government in Osogbo ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State.

 

According to the governor, the individuals he named have allegedly aided and encouraged political violence through their associates, resulting in killings and attacks in different parts of the state.

 

While commending security agencies for intervening to curb the violence, Adeleke accused some opposition leaders of openly and indirectly promoting actions capable of disrupting the peace of the state.

 

The governor reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on political violence and urged security agencies to arrest anyone found culpable, regardless of 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. We do not harbour thugs anywhere, and the police should arrest any suspect. There must be strict law enforcement,” Adeleke said.

 

The governor’s remarks came amid reports of another political killing in Ijebu-Jesa, where an Accord Party member was allegedly killed. Adeleke claimed that five Accord members have been killed and 15 others critically injured since the commencement of the 2026 election campaigns.

 

He urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute both perpetrators and sponsors of political violence, insisting that public statements and actions by some political actors justify international sanctions.

 

“I believe there must be a deterrent against those promoting political violence. We seek visa bans against politicians sponsoring killings and violent attacks. We also advocate similar sanctions against security officials aiding and abetting such anti-democratic activities.

 

“Elections should not be about bloodshed. Osun deserves peace and the freedom to choose its leaders without intimidation. There must be consequences for those endangering lives for selfish political interests,” he added.

 

Speaking on behalf of the British delegation, Senior Political Adviser Wale Adebajo said the team was in Osun as part of ongoing pre-election peace-building efforts.

 

Adebajo noted that the British Government remains committed to supporting a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process in the state.

 

He added that the delegation would engage key stakeholders and encourage adherence to democratic principles to ensure a free, fair, and violence-free governorship election on August 15.