The Osun Masterminds has expressed concern over the rising wave of violence and insecurity ahead of the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to democracy and the state’s peace.
In a press conference held in Osogbo on Tuesday , the group’s Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, condemned the escalating wave of election-related murders,specifically noting that young citizens are being used as “cannon fodder” for political ambitions.
“It is deeply tragic that the primary victims of these desperate political manoeuvres are young people, whose lives are being cut short to satisfy the ambitions of desperate politicians,” he said.
According to media reports the state has recently recorded several unresolved killings with clear political undertones These include the brutal murder of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olugbemiga in Ilobu, the death of Kolade Eluyera in Ikire, and the killing of an individual identified as Aderogba in Esa-Oke .The group emphasized that while some attribute these deaths to cultism, there is a direct link between cult violence and political objectives in the current Osun climate.
“The blood of these young citizens cries out for justice. We call on relevant agencies to ensure that the perpetrators, no matter how highly placed, are arrested, unmasked and prosecuted immediately,” he said.
The group also decried the growing spread of fake news, cyberbullying and coordinated misinformation on social media, alleging that political actors, media aides and internet trolls had weaponised digital platforms to inflame tensions.
“This toxic environment serves only to inflame tensions, assassinate the character of opposing candidates and spread outright falsehoods capable of inciting real-world communal clashes,” he said.
To curb the rising digital menace, the organisation called on the Nigeria Police Force and the National Information Technology Development Agency to enforce the Cybercrimes Act by tracking and prosecuting individuals spreading falsehoods and threats online.
It also urged media organisations and civil society groups to establish real-time fact-checking desks to counter misinformation while calling on political parties to adopt and enforce a social media code of conduct for their supporters.
As the election draws closer , Oyedokun-Alli appealed to residents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community groups to promote peace before, during and after the poll.
“The ultimate measure of the upcoming August 15 election will not just be who wins, but how the peace of the state is preserved throughout the process,” he said.
“We also call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure a level playing field, timely deployment of materials and absolute transparency to prevent suspicion and subsequent unrest.”
He further urged youths to resist being recruited for political violence.
“Your vote is your surest route towards building the Nigeria of your dreams; you must therefore not submit that right on the altar of violence or any anti-democratic practice,” he said.
The organisation accused politicians across party lines of harbouring cultists and political thugs to intimidate opponents and destroy campaign materials.
“We demand that all political actors immediately dismantle these criminal networks. Any politician whose campaign relies on armed brigandage is unfit for public office,” Oyedokun-Alli said.
The group also challenged the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to ensure that security agencies remained neutral and acted decisively against perpetrators of political violence.
“We acknowledge the recent directive from the IGP ordering an immediate halt to the political killings and violence in the state. However, orders are not enough; we need to see visible enforcement. We need to see arrests and prosecution, and we need to see them in a manner that makes it clear to politicians that no man is above the law,” he said.
Oyedokun-Alli urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the governorship election remained peaceful.
“Let us work together to ensure that the forthcoming election is defined by the power of the ballot, not the barrel of the gun,” he said.