Osun LG chairman, PDP clash over Ilesa killings

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

The reinstated chairman of Ilesa West Central Council in Osun State, Mr Tobiloba Famurewa, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have traded accusations and counter-accusations over alleged killings in the area.

Famurewa, who denied involvement in the crises leading to deaths in the area, called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, and the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, to investigate, alleging that some PDP leaders are behind the killings.

Reacting to the allegation, the PDP spokesperson in the state, Mr Oladele Bamiji, denied involvement of his party in the killings and declared support for an investigation.

Famurewa said there were attempts to assassinate him on two occasions, calling for an end to violence in the interest of development.

According to him, “On the 5th and 17th of February 2025, live cartridges were fired at my convoy by these state actors and their thugs, aiming to assassinate me. I have proof to back up my claims.

“I am not responsible for any killing in Ilesa; they are only trying to dent my image. I have always said no contest is worth human lives, and as someone who has lived over a decade in the United States, I not only observe the politics there but take cues from how it is practised.

“I have always believed that political contests should be in the interest of the masses and manifesto-based. So, I have not and will never involve myself in the politics of hatred.

“They in the PDP are the ones who are intimidated by my profile and movement and want to try all within their power to silence me. They attempted to kill me twice, and I escaped. My life, that of my family, and my followers are no longer safe; that’s why I am calling on the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun Commissioner of Police to wade into the matter,” Famurewa said.

But Bamiji said, “Thank God he has asked the security agencies to investigate the matter; that is what we are also expecting. We believe strongly that if and when the police authorities are ready to do their job, Famurewa in Ilesa will surely be before the law court.

“I hope the authorities will look into it and fish out the perpetrators; some people are trying to play on the intelligence of the people of the state. But we know those who are behind the violence in Ilesa; they should be behind bars helping the police with further investigations as we speak,” Bamiji said.