Fresh political tension is brewing in Osun State following the reported arrest of a prominent Accord leader in Esa Oke, as the party alleges a growing pattern of intimidation targeting its members ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The Osun State Chapter of the Accord announced that Chief Sesan Orija, popularly known as Mewo, was reportedly arrested at his residence on Tuesday by armed police officers.
According to the party, Chief Orija is the recognised Accord leader in Esa Oke and a respected grassroots politician who was formerly a close political ally of Hon. Wole Oke before both men parted ways politically.
In a statement signed by the Osun Accord Chairman, Pastor Victor Babalola Akande, the party described the arrest as part of what it called an "escalating campaign of intimidation" against its leaders, particularly across the Ijesa axis.
The party recalled that it had recently raised concerns over alleged attacks and arrests involving its members in Esa Oke. It also referenced the arrest of its House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Mr. Popoola Alaba, who was taken to Abuja, as well as the detention of Barrister Sodiq Olaniyan, maintaining that both incidents were politically motivated.
Accord argued that the latest arrest appears to reinforce its earlier warning that more of its leaders had allegedly been marked for arrest before the election.
The party stressed that political competition should never be reduced to harassment or the use of security agencies against citizens because of their political affiliations.
It called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding Chief Orija's arrest and ensure that his constitutional rights are protected. According to the statement, if there are allegations against him, they should be handled strictly in accordance with due process and the rule of law.
Accord further expressed concern over what it described as the deployment of heavily armed security personnel against political figures while alleging that armed escorts are being provided for political thugs, warning that such actions could erode public confidence in law enforcement.
Despite the development, the party appealed to its members and supporters across Esa Oke and Osun State to remain peaceful, law-abiding and avoid any form of provocation, insisting it would continue to pursue all grievances through lawful and democratic means.
The party also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, election observers and the international community to closely monitor political developments in Osun State as the governorship election approaches.
With political activities intensifying across the state, the latest incident is expected to further heighten public attention on security, political rights and the conduct of stakeholders in the countdown to the August 15 governorship election.
