An Osun-based civil society organisation, The Osun Masterminds (TOM), has condemned the growing wave of political violence in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election, warning that the escalating crisis poses a serious threat to peace and democratic stability if urgent steps are not taken.

The group also criticised the recent outburst by Governor Ademola Adeleke following the killing of an Accord Party supporter, Ajayi Aderogba, who was allegedly shot dead in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area, on Tuesday evening, June 23, 2026. TOM described the governor’s reaction as an eyesore, unstatesmanlike and capable of inciting further violence.

Governor Adeleke, in a viral video, verbally attacked the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Oluwole Oke, during a visit to Esa-Oke on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Oke is also the Director-General of the campaign council of the All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant, Bola Oyebamiji.

In a statement issued at the June’s edition of its State of the State address on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, the organisation described the recent killings in parts of the state as tragic consequences of desperate political manoeuvring.

The group cited several incidents allegedly linked to political activities in the state, including the killing of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olugbemiga in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area; the murder of Kolade Eluyera in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area; and the killing of Aderogba in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area. It also referenced several reported attacks that left victims critically injured, saying the incidents underscored the deteriorating security situation in the state.

“A state cannot achieve progress when its youth are converted into cannon fodder for political actors. We demand that the state government and federal security apparatus move swiftly beyond mere rhetoric. The blood of these young citizens cries out for justice.

“We call on relevant agencies to ensure that the perpetrators, no matter how highly placed, are arrested, unmasked and prosecuted immediately,” the statement read.

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The group urged the state government and security agencies to take decisive action by ensuring that those behind the violence are arrested and prosecuted, regardless of their status or political affiliation.

While acknowledging claims that some of the killings were cult-related, the organisation condemned the use of cult groups to settle political scores and warned politicians against encouraging such practices.

To address the challenge, TOM called on the Nigeria Police Force and the National Information Technology Development Agency to enforce the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act against individuals spreading fake news and threats of violence in the state.

The organisation also advocated the establishment of independent fact-checking coalitions involving media organisations and civil society groups to counter misinformation in real time.

In addition, it urged political parties to adopt a social media code of conduct for their supporters and media teams to discourage inflammatory content, character assassination and name-calling.

While opposing calls for the redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, The Osun Masterminds described attempts to single him out as efforts to make him a scapegoat for broader systemic challenges.

The group further appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to work together to preserve peace before, during and after the election.

“We make a passionate appeal to all citizens, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community groups to actively champion peace. Elections will come and go, but the socio-economic fabric of Osun State must remain intact,” the statement added.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the Osun State governorship election for August 15, 2026.