POLICE SUMMON OSUN SENATOR OVER ‘KILLING’ COMMENT

The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over a controversial comment in which he was allegedly heard directing supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The police invitation followed the circulation of a video of the senator speaking in Yoruba during an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign-related event in Ilesa on Tuesday.
In the video, Fadahunsi was heard making comments interpreted as a threat against members and supporters of the Accord Party, heightening concerns over the possibility of political violence ahead of the election.
In a letter dated August 11, the police directed the senator to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Osogbo at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, to clarify the circumstances surrounding the remarks.
The invitation was signed by the Commissioner of Police in charge of the election in Osun State, Samuel Etaifo Erale.
According to the police, the invitation followed information alleging that Fadahunsi made statements considered threatening, inciting and intimidating, which had subsequently circulated across social media platforms.
The controversy comes amid heightened political tension in Osun ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, with security agencies warning political parties and their supporters against actions capable of triggering violence.
Fadahunsi has, however, moved to clarify his remarks following the public backlash. Through his media office, the senator said his use of the word “kill” was political and metaphorical, and that he was referring to defeating the Accord Party at the ballot box rather than physically attacking its members.
His team said the intended message was for APC supporters to reject the Accord Party through lawful and democratic means during the election.
The senator also appealed to political actors and their supporters to maintain peace and urged security agencies to protect voters and ensure that eligible citizens are allowed to exercise their rights without intimidation.
The police investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the senator’s remarks and whether any offence was committed.
The development has further raised concerns about political rhetoric and security ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election, with stakeholders calling on all candidates and their supporters to avoid statements capable of escalating tensions.