Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for the arrest and investigation of Senator Francis Fadahunsi over a viral video in which the lawmaker was allegedly heard making comments threatening members and supporters of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Adeleke made the demand while addressing journalists in Osogbo, saying he had reported the matter to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
The governor said the police chief had acknowledged receiving information about the video and assured him that appropriate action would be taken.
Adeleke described the alleged comments as a matter of national security and urged security agencies to investigate the senator.
He said, “This is now beyond politics. This is now a national security threat that requires the attention of Mr President through the Office of the National Security Adviser.”
The governor also urged the police and the Department of State Services to arrest Fadahunsi over what he described as alleged incitement to violence against the people of Ijesaland and Osun State.
The controversy followed the circulation of a video on social media in which Fadahunsi was allegedly heard making remarks interpreted as a call for attacks on Accord Party members and their families.
Afrobeats singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, also shared the video online alongside an English translation of the alleged remarks.
However, Fadahunsi rejected the interpretation, insisting that the video had been edited to misrepresent what he said.
In a statement signed by him, the senator said his comments were made in response to alleged attacks on members of the All Progressives Congress in Ilesa and other parts of Osun State.
Fadahunsi said, “What I said was that if the alleged killing of our party members by Accord Party thugs does not stop, our party will retaliate.”
He added that his remarks were intended as a warning that the APC would defend its members if further attacks occurred, including during the election.
The senator alleged that more than 12 APC members had been killed and accused the state government of failing to adequately condemn the attacks.
He, however, appealed to residents of Ijesaland to shun violence and participate peacefully in Saturday’s election.
Meanwhile, Adeleke also raised concerns over alleged police operations targeting Accord Party leaders in the state.
The governor claimed that a police signal had directed the arrest of Accord leaders and their transfer to Abuja for detention until after the election.
He warned that such an action, if confirmed, could amount to an attempt to interfere with the electoral process.
Adeleke further called for an end to what he described as alleged illegal operations by the Intelligence Response Team, accusing its operatives of arresting Accord Party leaders across several local government areas.
He urged the police and other security agencies to uphold the rule of law and ensure a fair and peaceful environment before, during and after the election.
