The tragic killing of a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, has continued to attract widespread condemnation, with political stakeholders calling for justice and urging residents to reject violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The incident has renewed concerns about political tension and security challenges in Osun State, as both the Imole Campaign Council (TICC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) separately condemned the teenager’s death and called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.
Speaking at a world press conference in Osogbo on Monday, the Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, Senator Kamarudeen Olalere Oyewumi, described the incident as a disturbing development that could threaten peace, security, and democratic stability in the state.
Oyewumi alleged that Olapade was killed on June 21 while attempting to rescue his mother during a violent attack involving gunshots in Ilobu. According to him, eyewitnesses linked the attack to a group allegedly led by one Saheed Kareem, popularly known as “Tanfeani.”
Expressing sadness over the incident, the TICC leader said the death of the teenager was painful and unacceptable.
“The circumstances surrounding the death of this innocent child are both heartbreaking and infuriating. He was simply trying to rescue his mother, who had fallen while fleeing from sporadic gunshots,” Oyewumi stated.
He urged security authorities to move quickly and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. He also called for a wider investigation into reported cases of political violence across Osun State.
“We demand a comprehensive investigation into all reported incidents of political violence across Osun State with a view to bringing every perpetrator, sponsor and collaborator to justice, irrespective of status or political affiliation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the APC also condemned the killing, describing the incident as wicked, barbaric, and unacceptable. The party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, called on the police to investigate the matter and prosecute anyone found responsible.
“We are strongly calling on the state police command to investigate the callous killing of the teenager with a view to bringing to justice whoever might be directly or remotely connected with the extra-judicial killing of the teenager in Ilobu,” the party stated.
The APC sympathised with the family of the deceased and the people of Ilobu, while warning against the use of political activities as an avenue for violence.
The party also defended its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, saying he does not support violence or any act capable of threatening lives.
“The political ambition of any individual is not worth the blood of any person,” the party added.
As political activities intensify ahead of the governorship election, stakeholders have continued to appeal for peaceful campaigns, responsible conduct, and respect for human lives.
The death of Ezekiel Olapade has become another reminder of the need for political actors and security agencies to prioritise peace and protect citizens throughout the election period.
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