Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, have rejected attempts to associate the party and its leaders with the killing of an Accord Party member, Ajayi Rogba.
Rogba, an indigene of Esa-Oke, was reportedly killed on Tuesday night by suspected thugs, an incident that has triggered political reactions and heightened tension within the community.
The controversy followed a condolence visit by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to the deceased’s family, during which he reportedly suggested that individuals loyal to the APC were responsible for the attack.
The governor was also reported to have criticised the Director-General of the APC campaign council for the August 15 governorship election and member representing the area in the House of Representatives, Wole Oke, while urging security agencies to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing in Esa-Oke on Friday, Professor Siji Olamiju, speaking on behalf of APC members in the area, described attempts to turn the incident into a political issue as insensitive and potentially dangerous.
According to him, the matter should be treated strictly as a criminal case and not be reduced to partisan narratives.
He expressed concern over what he described as premature conclusions linking the killing to politics before the completion of investigations by security agencies.
Olamiju stated that justice could only be achieved through a thorough, impartial and professional investigation rather than speculation, public accusations or political commentary.
He urged political stakeholders to avoid statements capable of influencing or undermining the investigative process.
The APC chieftain also called on Governor Adeleke and other public office holders to exercise restraint and allow law enforcement agencies to perform their constitutional responsibilities independently.
He dismissed allegations connecting Wole Oke, the APC or its leadership to the killing, describing such claims as unfounded and politically motivated.
According to him, there is no credible evidence linking the party or any of its members to the incident.
He maintained that the APC does not support criminality in any form and reiterated that anyone found culpable after a lawful and impartial investigation should face the full weight of the law, regardless of political affiliation or status.
Olamiju further appealed to security agencies to carry out a comprehensive, transparent and unbiased investigation into the matter.
He urged residents of Esa-Oke and political actors across Osun State to remain calm and avoid actions or comments capable of escalating tension while allowing justice and due process to prevail.
