APC and Adeleke Exchange Fire Over Rising Violence and Alleged Protection of Criminals

Political tension in Osun State has escalated following a fierce confrontation between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Ademola Adeleke over the alleged harboring and protection of notorious criminal elements.

Addressing newsmen in Osogbo, leaders of the APC campaign council accused the state government of enabling a culture of political violence, brigandage, and intimidation against opposition members and innocent residents as political activities heat up across the state.

The opposition party pointed to recent violent clashes, gunshots, and the destruction of campaign vehicles in key towns—including Osogbo, Ede, and Ile-Ife—claiming that armed thugs operate freely under high-level political cover.

“The growing culture of intimidation, harassment, brigandage, and violence being perpetrated by criminal elements acting under the influence and protection of the ruling party must stop immediately,” the APC stated. “We call on the heads of all security agencies to urgently stem the rising tide of political violence before our state is plunged into deeper instability.”

In response, Governor Adeleke and his campaign team vehemently rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless propaganda designed to distract from the opposition’s political weaknesses. The administration maintained that it remains deeply committed to public safety, noting that security agencies have unhindered authority to arrest and prosecute any lawbreaker regardless of political affiliation.

With both political camps trading accusations, pressure is mounting on law enforcement agencies—including the Police Command and the Department of State Services—to step up intelligence-driven raids, dismantle criminal hideouts, and ensure lasting peace across the state.