Tensions have escalated sharply in Osun State ahead of the governorship election following a dramatic public confrontation in Ilesa, where Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi was captured on video issuing explicit threats against members and supporters of the Accord Party.
The footage, recorded live during a political gathering near the palace grounds, shows the federal lawmaker—who represents Osun East Senatorial District—addressing a large crowd of party loyalists and onlookers. Surrounded by security personnel and supporters wearing campaign hats and apparel, Senator Fadahunsi boldly dared attendees to record his statements and broadcast them publicly.
Speaking in Yoruba while gesturing towards the crowd, the senator declared that any operative or member associated with the Accord Party caught operating in Ilesa ahead of the election would face lethal violence. His direct statement—”If we hear about or see any Accord member in Ilesa, we will kill him. Record me and spread it!”—was met with loud cheers and shouts from a section of the gathering.
The incident occurred during a protest gathering led by political chieftains in Ijesaland. The march was organized to register displeasure over recent violent clashes and alleged political killings in the area, which factions have attributed to rival political groups.
The threat follows fatal clashes in the Imo Area of Ilesa, where violent confrontations between rival political groups resulted in three reported fatalities and left several others injured. While community sources linked the casualties directly to political clashes, police authorities noted ongoing investigations into suspected cult-related violence.
The viral video quickly saturated social media platforms, drawing immediate widespread condemnation from citizens, civil society groups, and political commentators. Many have called on security agencies and the Inspector-General of Police to initiate an immediate investigation and arrest of the senator over incitement to violence.
In response to the public outcry, the media office of Senator Fadahunsi issued a clarification statement attempting to address the literal wording in the video. The statement maintained that the senator’s remarks were intended as a “metaphorical and political call” to defeat opposition parties at the ballot box through lawful democratic means rather than physical violence.
Despite the clarification, civil rights advocates and opposition leaders maintain that such public rhetoric from a high-ranking legislator risks fueling political instability ahead of the poll. Security agencies in Osun State have reassured the public that additional security deployments are being made across Ilesa to maintain law and order and ensure voters can exercise their franchise safely.
