Adeleke Urges UK To Impose Visa Ban On Oyetola, Others Over Alleged Violence

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called for economic sanctions and visa bans against the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji; the Senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi; the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Hon. Wole Oke; and some other political leaders over their alleged roles in political violence in the state.

The governor made the call while receiving a delegation from the British Government, which was in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election. He alleged that the named politicians were aiding and abetting political violence through their supporters and associates, leading to killings and gun attacks across the state.

Adeleke, while reiterating his administration’s zero tolerance for political violence, called on security agencies to arrest any suspect, regardless of political affiliation.

He said, “I have zero tolerance for violence. I have told the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, 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, who tasked security agencies with going after suspects and their sponsors, said the public utterances and actions of some top Osun APC leaders and chieftains justified his call for economic sanctions and visa bans against the listed politicians.

“I believe we must have 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 chiefs aiding and abetting such anti-democratic activities.

“Election is not about bloodshed. Osun deserves peace and the freedom to choose its leaders. There must be consequences for those deliberately endangering the lives of our people for selfish political gains”.

Responding, the leader of the British delegation and Senior Political Adviser, Wale Adebajo, said the team was in Osun as part of pre-election peace-building efforts.

Adebajo assured that the diplomatic team would engage with all stakeholders to promote a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the August 15 governorship election while emphasising the importance of free, fair and credible polls.

Meanwhile, the accused APC Leaders had at a different occasions debunked the allegations of fomenting violence or sponsoring thugs. They had however alleged the state government of harbouring “wanted criminals” in the government house, the allegations Governor Adeleke had also debunked.