The political landscape in Osun State has become further polarised following an incident involving the shooting of Wakeel Nurudeen Iyanda Alowonle, the Chairman of the Osun State Transport Management System (OSTMS).
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun has condemned the attack, labelling it an “assassination attempt” and calling for the immediate prosecution of the officers involved, particularly Moses Lohor, the head of the state’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
In a statement released on Tuesday, November 19, Sunday Bisi, the PDP Chairman, described the shooting of Alowonle on Monday night as part of a calculated campaign of political violence and intimidation aimed at the party.
He further implicated the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting that the attack was linked to comments made by APC National Chairman Dr. Umar Ganduje, who had recently declared the party’s intent to “wrestle power” from the PDP in Osun and Oyo States.
Bisi called for a “transparent investigation” into the shooting, emphasising that the police should not engage in extrajudicial killings or “jungle justice” against citizens, regardless of their political affiliation.
“The actions of SP Moses Lohor and his team must be fully investigated, and those culpable should be brought to justice,” Bisi demanded.
He also expressed concern that Lohor, a senior officer involved in previous incidents of political intimidation, had become a tool for political oppression in the state.
The PDP further urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the National Security Adviser (NSA), and the Police Service Commission to take immediate action against the officers involved.
“We will not tolerate a situation where our members are targeted for political violence,” Bisi added, insisting that the party would continue to hold those in power accountable for any political intimidation.
However, the Osun APC has vehemently rejected the PDP’s accusations and defended the police’s actions. In a statement issued by Kola Olabisi, the APC’s Director of Media and Information, the party commended the state police for their efforts to tackle criminal elements in Osun.
The APC argued that the person targeted in the shooting, Alowonle, had a history of criminal activities and should not be protected by the PDP.
Olabisi went on to accuse the PDP of supporting “a hardened criminal” and questioned the commitment of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration to protecting the people of Osun.
“It is bizarre that the PDP would rush to defend a suspected criminal who has unresolved criminal cases hanging over him,” the APC spokesperson said.
He further criticized the PDP for allegedly abetting criminal activity, suggesting that the party’s leadership was too focused on protecting its allies rather than ensuring public safety.
The APC’s statement also questioned the effectiveness of the state government’s security measures, arguing that by defending Alowonle, the PDP was undermining the law enforcement efforts to rid the state of criminal elements. “Governor Adeleke’s government is no longer committed to protecting the people,” Olabisi concluded.
As both parties trade accusations, the political tension in Osun escalates, raising concerns about using state power to settle political scores.
Calls for an independent investigation into the shooting remain strong, with many hoping for a resolution that ensures justice is served and restores confidence in the state’s law enforcement agencies.