The Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council has alleged that a planned protest by Senator Lere Oyewumi, the Senate Deputy Minority Leader, over the death of Ezekiel Olopade was intended to divert attention from unresolved investigations into previous political killings in Irewole Local Government Area.

In a statement signed by the Head of its Media and Publicity Committee, Engr Oluremi Omowaiye, the council expressed sympathy with Olopade’s family and said it supported lawful efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death. However, it accused the senator of exploiting the incident for political purposes.

“The Council is convinced that the proposed protest is not motivated by any genuine concern for justice but is instead a desperate attempt to divert public attention from ongoing investigations into the murders of two prominent APC chieftains, Saheed Oyegunju and Hon. Remi Abass,” the statement read.

According to the council, “Oyegunju, who served as APC Treasurer in Ward 9 of Irewole Local Government Area, was abducted and later found dead in February 2023 while travelling to an APC presidential campaign rally in Osogbo. Allegations had persisted regarding the involvement of Oyewumi and some of his associates in the incident.”

The council claimed that suspects arrested in connection with Oyegunju’s killing were later released under circumstances that had continued to generate questions among members of the public and the bereaved family.

Referring to the killing of Remi Abass, the former Chairman of Irewole Local Government, who was murdered within the council secretariat in February 2025, it stated that, “Reports indicated that some suspects arrested over the incident allegedly mentioned influential political figures, including Oyewumi, during investigations.

“These allegations deserve a thorough, impartial and professional investigation by law enforcement agencies without interference from any quarter.” 

The APC campaign body raised concerns over the whereabouts of Jide Jọda, whom it described as a suspect linked to the murder case and alleged to have absconded after being granted bail and claimed that despite being declared wanted by the police, he remained at large and was allegedly receiving protection from unnamed political interests.

The council called on Oyewumi to submit himself to security agencies for questioning over the allegations surrounding the killings, insisting that public protests could not replace accountability under the law.

It also urged the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, to ensure that all suspects linked to political killings in Osun State are

apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that justice should be pursued for all victims of political violence, irrespective of status or political affiliation.

In a swift reaction, the media unit of Senator Lere Oyewumi in a statement sent to DAILY POST, stated that the Police have never invited Senator Lere Oyewumi in connection with the killing of anyone because he has never been associated with criminal activities.

The statement continues, “On the day late Remi Abass died, the distinguished Senator was attending plenary proceedings in Abuja. This is a matter of public record. 

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‎”Senator Oyewumi’s political journey has been built on hard work, consistency, and a genuine passion for public service. He has won several elections without resorting to violence, and even when he lost the 2019 senatorial election, he did not challenge the outcome at the tribunal. His conviction has always been that no political ambition is worth the blood of any human being.  

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‎”The people of Ikire know those who have been responsible for acts of violence and intimidation in the town. They also know that late Remi Abass had previous encounters with law enforcement authorities, including records with the State CID.”

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The statement also added that, “It is deeply unfortunate that the Osun APC and its gubernatorial candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, are attempting to rationalise or justify the killing of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu. 

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‎”Allegations have also been raised regarding the use of branded vehicles during acts of violence, and such claims deserve proper investigation by the appropriate security agencies. 

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‎”Every loss of innocent life deserves condemnation. If one cannot sympathise with the bereaved family, the least one can do is allow others to mourn in peace rather than offer explanations that appear to excuse violence. The growing pattern of political intimidation and violence is troubling.”

It maintained that all those found culpable of criminal acts, regardless of political affiliation, should be brought to justice in accordance with the law.

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