By Peter Omopo
The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over alleged threatening remarks against members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying Fadahunsi was summoned by the Commissioner of Police overseeing election security in the state, Samuel Etaifo.
“I can confirm that he (Fadahunsi) has been summoned by the CP. We will make a statement available regarding it,” Ojelabi said.
The senator reportedly made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in Ilesa during a protest over the alleged killing of three members of the All Progressives Congress in the town.
A video circulating on social media showed Fadahunsi speaking in Yoruba and allegedly threatening Accord Party members who might be seen in Ilesa before election day.
The alleged comments have sparked condemnation and heightened concerns over the possibility of political violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a separate video circulating online, the APC candidate for Ifelodun, Boripe and Odo Otin Federal Constituency, Francis Eniade, was also allegedly heard warning non APC supporters against coming out to vote in Odo Otin Local Government Area on election day.
Eniade reportedly instructed APC supporters to return to their wards and polling units and tell residents that only APC members should vote.
The developments come amid heightened political tension across parts of Osun State as political parties intensify their final campaigns ahead of Saturday’s poll.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for Fadahunsi’s arrest, describing the alleged remarks as capable of triggering widespread violence.
Adeleke said he had raised the matter with the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and requested an investigation into the senator. According to the governor, Disu confirmed that the video had been seen and assured him that appropriate action would be taken.
“The second issue has to do with the viral video of a serving Senator, Francis Fadahunsi, who today called for the killing of Accord Party leaders, supporters and their families,” Adeleke said.
The governor described the alleged comments as beyond politics and called for intervention by the Federal Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The police summons comes as security agencies intensify preparations for the Osun governorship election, with concerns over political violence and inflammatory statements mounting in some parts of the state.
However, Fadahunsi has since clarified his remarks, describing them as metaphorical and explaining that he was referring to votes as the instrument with which the Accord Party could be defeated in the area.
He made the clarification during a press conference in Ilesa on Tuesday.
The police have yet to disclose when Fadahunsi is expected to appear before the command or what further action may follow the investigation.
