Tragedy Strikes Osun: Teenager Gunned Down in Suspected Political Thuggery

A tragic incident unfolded in Ilobu, Osun State, on Sunday afternoon, June 21, 2026, where 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade was fatally shot by suspected hoodlums near the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat. The attack, which also left another person with gunshot injuries, has reignited concerns over security and allegations of politically motivated violence in the state, particularly with the 15 August governorship election approaching.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, allegedly led by a notorious thug identified as Saheed, popularly known as “Tanfeani,” gathered near the council secretariat. The incident occurred opposite the local government secretariat, close to a palm wine joint owned by Ezekiel’s mother. The attackers reportedly spotted a man wearing a cap in the colours of a particular political party at the joint and advanced towards the spot, firing indiscriminately. Patrons fled for safety, but Ezekiel Olapade was tragically hit by a bullet and died on the spot. An anonymous eyewitness indicated that Ezekiel was likely not the intended target, suggesting the assault was aimed at the man in the political cap, who survived his injuries and was rushed to a hospital.

The Osun State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident, stating that Saheed, alias Tanfeani, and other thugs were responsible for the shooting. Ojelabi noted that the prime suspect and his accomplices are currently at large, and efforts are underway to apprehend them. The second victim, whose identity was not immediately established, is receiving medical treatment.

The killing has intensified political tensions. A video circulating on social media and aired by Arise Television showed Ezekiel’s grieving father accusing Saheed Tanfeani of leading a group of six or seven armed men. The father alleged that the attackers arrived in vehicles branded with the campaign colours of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, known as “AMBO.”

In response, the APC chairman in Irepodun Local Government Area denied any party connection to the incident and dismissed allegations against Saheed Tanfeani, claiming he was not in Ilobu at the time. Mr. Tanfeani himself, in a video, also denied involvement, stating he was in Osogbo throughout the day of the incident and accused members of the Accord Party of falsely implicating him. He further invoked curses upon the boy's killer and those who lied against him.

Conversely, the Imole Campaign Council, supporting Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election, maintained its allegations against Mr. Tanfeani. Kamarudeen Oyewumi, the Director-General of the council, stated that Ezekiel Olapade was not involved in politics or any confrontation. Oyewumi claimed the boy was shot in the head while attempting to rescue his mother, who had fallen while fleeing the sporadic gunfire unleashed by Tanfeani and his associates. The Imole Campaign Council unequivocally condemned the “barbaric act,” extended condolences to the Olapade family, and called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure immediate arrests and prosecution of all responsible parties, including perpetrators, sponsors, and collaborators, demanding a comprehensive investigation into all reported incidents of political violence in Osun State.

This incident follows earlier calls by civil society organizations for the redeployment of Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, over allegations of partisanship, which the police command has denied, reiterating its commitment to neutrality. Nevertheless, Sunday’s killing is expected to further exacerbate security concerns as political parties escalate their campaigns across the state.