The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has raised concerns over what it described as a growing wave of political violence in Osun State following the reported killing of a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, during a violent incident in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Director-General of the council, Senator Kamarudeen Olalere Oyewumi, condemned the incident and called for urgent action from security agencies to prevent further escalation of political unrest in the state.
According to the council, the teenager lost his life on Sunday after gunmen allegedly opened fire during a violent attack in Ilobu.
Oyewumi stated that accounts from family members and eyewitnesses suggested the boy was not involved in politics but was attempting to assist his mother after she reportedly fell while fleeing the scene of the shooting.
The campaign council alleged that the attack was carried out by armed political thugs and claimed that the suspected leader had already been publicly identified by the police.
The council expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased and described the incident as tragic and unacceptable.
“No parent should have to bury a child because of political violence,” Oyewumi said.
TICC further alleged that the attackers invaded the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat and targeted facilities within the premises, including the office of the Amotekun Corps, describing the development as an attempt to create fear and undermine public security.
The council argued that the Ilobu incident reflects a wider pattern of politically linked violence across different parts of Osun State, citing previous attacks and violent incidents in communities including Ikire, Ilesa, Owode-Ede, and Osogbo.
While noting that its members had continued to pursue peaceful and lawful engagement, the council warned that repeated incidents without accountability could further weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
The group called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to ensure a thorough investigation into the killing and prosecute all those found culpable.
It also urged authorities to carry out broader investigations into reported incidents of political violence across the state.
In addition, the campaign council expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of the Osun State Police Command, arguing that recurring security concerns and perceptions of selective enforcement had affected public trust.
The council called for the redeployment of the state Commissioner of Police and requested an independent review of security operations in the state.
It also appealed to the National Human Rights Commission, civil society groups, election observers, diplomatic missions, and the international community to closely monitor developments in Osun.
Reaffirming its position, the council said supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke remain committed to peace, democracy, and the rule of law but maintained that justice and accountability are necessary to prevent further violence.
The council concluded by calling for swift action to ensure that the death of Ezekiel Olapade does not become another unresolved case in the state’s political history.
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