The political situation in Ilesa West Central Council, Osun State, has become tense as the reinstated chairman, Mr. Tobiloba Famurewa, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are accusing each other of being responsible for the violent clashes in the area. The crisis has reportedly led to loss of lives, prompting calls for urgent intervention from security agencies.
In a statement on Wednesday, Famurewa denied any involvement in the violence and claimed that certain PDP leaders were behind the unrest. He called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, and the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, to investigate the repeated crises in the area and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
Narrating his ordeal, Famurewa alleged that there had been attempts to assassinate him on two separate occasions. He claimed that armed attackers fired at his convoy on February 5 and 17, 2025, in an attempt to take his life.
“On 5th and 17th of February, 2025, live cartridges were fired at my convoy by these state actors and their thugs aiming to assassinate me. I have proofs to back up my claims,” he said.
The council chairman insisted that he was not involved in any killings, saying those accusing him were only trying to tarnish his image. He also stressed that he believes in peaceful political competition and has always opposed violence in elections.
“I have always believed that political contest should be in the interest of the masses and manifesto-based. So I have not and will never involve myself in politics of hatred,” he stated.
Famurewa further alleged that members of the PDP felt threatened by his influence and were trying to silence him through violent means. He called on the police to take immediate action to ensure the safety of his life, family, and supporters.
Reacting to the allegations, the PDP spokesman in the state, Mr. Oladele Bamiji, denied any involvement of the party in the crisis. He said the party welcomed an investigation into the matter and believed that the truth would be revealed once the security agencies conducted their probe.
“Thank God he has asked the security agencies to investigate the matter, that is what we are also expecting. We believe so strongly that if and when the police authorities are ready to do their job, Famurewa in Ilesa will surely be before the law court,” Bamiji said.
He also accused some individuals of trying to manipulate public perception by shifting the blame. According to him, those truly responsible for the violence should be arrested and questioned by the police.
“I hope the authorities will look into it and fish out the perpetrators, some people are trying to play on the intelligence of the people of the state. But we know those who are behind violence in Ilesa, they should be behind bars helping the police in further investigations as we speak,” he added.
