The controversy surrounding the killing of an Accord youth leader in Esa-Oke took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as the widow of the deceased, Tolulope Aderogba, publicly alleged that a political aide to former lawmaker, Hon. Wole Oke, and several APC members were linked to the attack that claimed her husband's life.
The allegation was made during a condolence visit by Governor Ademola Adeleke to the family of the slain Accord chieftain, where emotions ran high as family members recounted the events leading to the fatal incident.
Addressing the governor and other government officials present, Mrs. Aderogba narrated how her husband was allegedly lured into a meeting arrangement connected to a personal assistant of Hon. Wole Oke, popularly known as "Omo Aje", before armed attackers reportedly arrived at the scene.
According to her account, a local youth leader, Fakunle Oladapo, repeatedly urged the deceased to honour an invitation allegedly extended by the aide. She claimed her husband declined, insisting he would neither leave the Accord Party nor work with Wole Oke.
The widow further alleged that moments later, a vehicle conveying the attackers arrived and that her husband came under gun and machete attack in her presence and that of their child.
She also named several individuals she claimed were present around the scene before and during the attack, maintaining that the killing occurred in broad daylight.
The disturbing testimony drew strong reactions from Governor Adeleke, who used the occasion to renew his criticism of security agencies over what he described as growing political violence in Osun State.
The governor expressed concern over the rising number of politically-related attacks and killings across the state, insisting that repeated complaints and evidence forwarded to security authorities had yet to produce decisive action.
Adeleke disclosed that reports and video evidence of violent incidents had been forwarded to the Inspector General of Police, urging immediate intervention to restore public confidence in law enforcement.
The governor also called on elder statesman and former Osun governor, Chief Bisi Akande, traditional rulers, community leaders, and political stakeholders to openly condemn political violence and work towards preventing further bloodshed.
He warned that those behind attacks on innocent citizens should not be allowed to escape justice, stressing that democratic contests should be decided through the ballot box rather than violence.
Speaking to party supporters and grieving family members, Adeleke described the incident as "one killing too many" and urged residents to remain peaceful despite growing frustrations over insecurity.
He equally assured the bereaved family of government support, promising assistance for the children and immediate dependants left behind by the deceased.
The governor maintained that while many supporters were increasingly angered by the attacks, they should continue to allow security agencies to perform their constitutional responsibilities rather than resort to self-help.
The killing, which has reportedly been formally reported at the Esa-Oke Divisional Police Headquarters, has intensified public debate over political violence in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Police Command had not issued any official statement regarding the allegations raised by the deceased's widow.
The governor was accompanied on the visit by senior government officials, political leaders, and state functionaries.
