Senator Fadahunsi Under Fire: Police Summoned, Obi Demands Apology Over 'Kill Accord' Row

Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has been summoned by the Osun State Police Command following controversial comments he made during an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Ilesa. The invitation, signed by Samuel Erale, the Commissioner of Police overseeing the Osun election and dated August 11, directed Senator Fadahunsi to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Osogbo at 11 a.m. on Wednesday to clarify statements deemed “threatening, inciting and intimidating.”

The contentious remarks, captured in a video widely circulated on social media, showed Senator Fadahunsi reportedly asking APC supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party if they encountered them before the upcoming governorship election. This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism and raised significant concerns about political violence in the state.

In his defense, Senator Fadahunsi has vehemently denied advocating for physical violence. He clarified that his comment was a political idiom, intended to encourage APC supporters to “defeat Accord” decisively at the polls through their votes. Speaking on Channels Television, he reiterated that his words should not be interpreted literally. Furthermore, Fadahunsi alleged that the viral video had been edited to distort the context of his remarks. He also stated that his comments were made in response to reported attacks on APC members in Ilesa, claiming that members of his party had been killed and that his statement was a warning of retaliation should such attacks continue.

The Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the command’s concern over the video and emphasized the necessity for Fadahunsi to explain his comments. DSP Ojelabi also asserted that the senator’s status as a high-ranking lawmaker does not grant him immunity from police questioning, stating, “He has been invited, and when he comes, whatever he says will be made available to the public.” The police are currently awaiting Fadahunsi’s explanation to determine the appropriate next steps in the investigation.

The controversy unfolds amidst a backdrop of increasing political tension and reports of violence in Osun State leading up to the August 15 election. Notably, three people were reportedly killed in a shooting in the Imo area of Ilesa just a day before Fadahunsi made his initial comments, highlighting the volatile pre-election atmosphere.

Prominent figures have also weighed in on the matter. Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the Accord Party platform, strongly condemned Fadahunsi’s remarks. He formally requested the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to investigate and arrest the senator, accusing him of inciting violence and emphasizing that the issue transcends politics, requiring immediate attention from security agencies.

Adding to the pressure, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), publicly demanded an apology from Senator Fadahunsi. Reacting via his X account, Obi expressed concern that such remarks could escalate political tension and compromise voter safety. He underscored Fadahunsi’s constitutional and moral responsibility as a serving member of the National Assembly to promote peace, uphold democratic norms, and foster unity. Obi argued that resorting to threats undermines the integrity of the electoral process, disrespects the electorate, and jeopardizes the fragile peace of the state. He urged Fadahunsi to retract his “harmful statements” and apologize to the people of Osun State, while also calling on all political leaders and security agencies to monitor inflammatory language and ensure the protection of all participants in the electoral process.