Osun Rocked by Assassination: Governor Adeleke Demands Justice for Slain Ally, Ajagungbade

Comrade Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade, has reportedly been shot dead at Mayfair Garage in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The incident, which occurred recently, is allegedly linked to a dispute over the control of the motor park garage. Oyeyemi, a notable associate of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and a member of the Accord Party, was reportedly killed during a confrontation that allegedly involved Comrade Nurudeen Alowonle and the chairman of Ife Mini-Bus, popularly known as Sibi, both of whom are also members of the Accord Party in Osun State. While details regarding the exact circumstances leading to the confrontation and the identity of the shooter(s) remain unclear, the killing has intensified longstanding tensions and disputes surrounding the management of motor parks in the state.

Oyeyemi had a significant profile within Osun State's political and transport sectors. He was actively involved in the state’s transport and park management system and had been described as a political associate of Governor Adeleke. Prior to Adeleke’s inauguration, Oyeyemi was reportedly a member of the transition committee. His political affiliations also extended to former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

However, Oyeyemi’s public life was also marked by serious legal controversies. He was declared wanted by the Osun State Police Command on July 2, 2022, on severe allegations including murder, cultism, and armed robbery. Following this, he was arrested by the police anti-kidnapping unit and subsequently arraigned in 2024 at the Federal High Court in Osogbo. The charges against him included terrorism, conspiracy, and unlawful killing. Despite these weighty legal battles, Oyeyemi was granted bail by the court in April 2024 and remained active around political and transport-related activities until his death.

In response to the tragic killing, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued stern directives. Through a statement from his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke ordered the immediate arrest of all individuals allegedly involved in Oyeyemi’s killing. The governor emphasized a commitment to maintaining law and order, stating, “Law and order must be maintained. There will be no sacred cows as all culprits will be brought to book.” He further called on residents to remain calm and instructed security agencies to swiftly restore normalcy to the affected motor parks and ensure peace across the state.

Beyond the immediate law enforcement action, Governor Adeleke also announced a significant policy change aimed at addressing the root cause of such disputes. He directed the immediate vacation of all motor parks by rival groups involved in leadership tussles. Furthermore, Adeleke ordered the reintroduction of the Park Management System across the state. He stated that the government would move swiftly to establish a new system to manage parks and garages, and an executive order would soon be issued to formalize this new management framework, aiming to bring an end to persistent conflicts over park control.