The Osun Masterminds has raised concerns over rising political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, warning political actors against inflammatory statements and acts capable of threatening peace in the state.
Speaking during its May 2026 State of the State Address on Tuesday, the group said the political atmosphere in the state was becoming increasingly tense as the election approaches.
Executive Director of the group, Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, a professor, said the organisation had earlier condemned signs of political intolerance, including the suppression of opposition supporters, but noted that the situation had escalated.
According to the group, there has been an increase in incendiary rhetoric, cyberbullying, mutual defamation and character assassination across political divides.
“With the election less than three months away, we must remind our politicians that opposition politics is an arena for competing development ideas, not a battleground for warfare,” he said.
The group warned that threats, inflammatory comments and physical intimidation could further heighten tension and endanger residents of the state.
“The everyday people of Osun are always the sole victims of political violence,” he added.
The organisation also called on leaders of political parties to caution their supporters and embrace issue-based campaigns ahead of the election.
It urged political actors to avoid defamatory campaigns and anti-social behaviour, stressing the need to respect the choices of voters.
The group further charged security agencies in the state to remain neutral and act swiftly against individuals or groups attempting to incite violence or disrupt public peace during the election period.
On the alleged Tilbot scandal, the organisation renewed its call for the release of the outcome of investigations into the matter, stating that the allegations should not be ignored.
“The allegations are too weighty to be swept under the carpet. The good people of Osun deserve to know who fritters away the much-needed funds for the development of the state,” he said.
The Osun Masterminds also called on the state government to rehabilitate roads linking Osun and Ekiti states, especially the Ora Igbomina and Esa Oke-Imesi Ile roads, citing security and economic concerns.
The group said it remained committed to advocating good governance and constructive engagement with stakeholders for the development of Osun State and Nigeria.
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