Hon. Oladiran Alabi has expressed concern over the reported attack on the campaign train of Hon. Aderemi Oseni in Ibadan, calling on the Governor of Oyo State to take decisive steps to prevent political thuggery and violence from becoming part of the political atmosphere in Oyo State.
The attack reportedly occurred at Agbaje Market in Ibadan North-West Local Government Area while Oseni and his team were engaging market stakeholders as part of his consultations ahead of the 2027 elections. According to reports, armed political thugs attacked the venue and shooting was heard, while some vehicles in the campaign convoy were reportedly hit by bullets. No casualty was recorded.
Reacting to the development, Alabi said the incident was disturbing and should not be treated lightly, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections are gradually gathering momentum.
He called on Governor Makinde to remember the political environment he inherited from the administration of the late Governor Senator Abiola Isiaka Ajimobi, describing it as a state where political activities could take place without the level of thuggery and intimidation now being alleged.
“Governor Makinde inherited a political thug-free state from the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi. We must not allow political thuggery and violence to return to Oyo State. The people deserve a political environment where candidates can move freely, engage the electorate and campaign without fear,” Alabi stated.
Alabi urged the governor and relevant security agencies to ensure that the reported incident is thoroughly investigated and that anyone found responsible is made to face the law.
He stressed that political disagreements are normal in a democracy but must never degenerate into violence, intimidation or attacks on political opponents. He also appealed to all political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and allow citizens to freely participate in the democratic process.
“Politics should be about ideas, programmes, records and the ability to serve the people. It should never be about who can intimidate or attack the other. We must protect the peace of Oyo State and ensure that every citizen can participate in politics without fear,” he added.
Alabi further called on political leaders to caution their supporters against taking the law into their own hands, noting that violence has no place in a democratic society.
He appealed to security agencies to remain professional and impartial in handling politically related incidents, while urging residents and political actors to provide useful information that could assist investigations.
He said the people of Oyo State must not allow the 2027 political season to undermine the peace the state has enjoyed, stressing that political power is temporary but the consequences of political violence can affect communities and families for generations.
