Osun Election Erupts: Senator Fadahunsi's 'Kill Accord' Threat Sparks Outrage and Police Probe

Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has found himself at the center of a major political controversy in Osun State, following alleged comments directing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to 'kill' members of the rival Accord Party ahead of the state's governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15. The uproar began after a video circulated widely on social media, showing Fadahunsi, while speaking in Yoruba during an APC campaign event in Ilesa on a Tuesday preceding the election, allegedly making the incendiary remarks.

The alleged statements, made in Yoruba, urged those at the gathering to confront Accord supporters. Fadahunsi was quoted saying, 'The cap they wear – it is Yellow Fever cap, it is the cap of an animal. It is an animal that k!lls. Have you ever heard that APC k!lled anyone? Are those being k!lled not your people?. So, we have come to tell you, up till the day of the election, if we see them, it is k!lling.' He also challenged those present to record his statements and post them on social media, further fueling the controversy. Another account quoted him saying, 'If we hear of Accord Party members coming to Ilesha, there will be trouble. We will all come out and vote. Please record me. We are here, and between now and the election, if we see anyone from the Accord Party, we will kill them.'

In response to the growing outrage, Senator Fadahunsi has vehemently denied the claims, stating that his comments were taken out of context. He clarified that the remark was a political metaphor intended to urge APC supporters to 'defeat' the Accord Party at the ballot box, not to inflict literal harm. Fadahunsi also claimed that the viral video being circulated was AI-generated. During an interview with Channels TV on Monday, August 11, he reiterated that his Yoruba parable was misunderstood by many. He further referenced previous attacks on APC members, stating that 'Last night we lost three, early this morning, they have k!lled and ran into the bush. No single arrest was made,' suggesting a context of prior violence against his party's members.

The Osun State Police Command swiftly intervened, summoning Senator Fadahunsi for clarification. A letter dated August 11, 2026, signed by the Commissioner of Police, Elections, Osun State, Samuel Etaifo Erale, directed Fadahunsi to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Osogbo, at 11 am on Wednesday, August 12. The invitation was based on information alleging that Fadahunsi made statements considered 'threatening, inciting and intimidating' that had been circulated across various electronic and social media platforms. Fadahunsi subsequently arrived at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, accompanied by Commissioner Samuel Erale. Commissioner Etaifo condemned the attributed comments, warning political office holders against making inciting remarks during the election period. He stressed the police's commitment to neutrality and professionalism, stating that such utterances could heighten tension and undermine public confidence in the electoral process, and that the invitation was a proactive measure to prevent escalation.

The alleged remarks sparked widespread condemnation and demands for action. The Accord Party demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Senator Fadahunsi, asserting that his actions confirmed their members and supporters were targets of political violence and intimidation. The party called on the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and international bodies including the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, United States Embassy, United Kingdom Embassy, the Africa Union, and ECOWAS to pay close attention to the situation and condemn anti-democratic forces. They also demanded the immediate release of over 60 of their members allegedly arrested and illegally detained. Governor Ademola Adeleke was also among those who called for Fadahunsi's arrest.

In defense, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) issued a statement on Wednesday, arguing that Fadahunsi had been quoted out of context and accusing Governor Adeleke and the Accord Party of exploiting the controversy for political purposes. The APC claimed the controversy was fueled by a 'doctored version' of his remarks and reiterated that they do not support jungle justice or violence. The party further alleged that Adeleke’s criticism was connected to Fadahunsi's defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC, and recent political developments that had altered political calculations.

Beyond the immediate political backlash, Senator Fadahunsi faces potential legal challenges. Kanmi Ajibola, an Osun State House of Assembly member representing Oriade State Constituency, issued an ultimatum, demanding Fadahunsi's resignation from the National Assembly within 30 days over his alleged inciting comments. Ajibola, who previously belonged to the PDP with Fadahunsi before diverging to the Accord Party, accused the senator of possessing a 'killer's mind' and lacking the strength of character for public office. He threatened legal action if Fadahunsi failed to comply, alleging a pattern of threats against opposition members since October 2025, and citing alleged arrests and killings of Accord members. Furthermore, lawyers representing Olajengbesi issued a formal letter of demand to Fadahunsi, accusing him of defamation and injurious falsehood. This stemmed from statements allegedly made during interviews on Viable TV and Channels Television, where Fadahunsi purportedly questioned Olajengbesi’s origin and linked him to cult groups and acts of violence. The lawyers demanded a retraction, a public apology, and a written undertaking not to repeat such claims within 24 hours, warning of legal proceedings seeking damages of ₦10 billion.