The Osun State Police Command has explained why it summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi over an alleged comment in which he reportedly threatened members of the Accord Party ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Samuel Etaifo, said Fadahunsi was invited to clarify the statement and help prevent heightened tension as the state prepares for the poll.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, Etaifo condemned the alleged remark and urged political leaders and public office holders to exercise restraint during the electoral process.

“At this critical period of the electoral process, political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint, promote peace, and refrain from making comments capable of heightening tension or undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements put in place for the forthcoming election,” he said.

Police say invitation aimed at preventing tension

Etaifo said the police would remain neutral and would not tolerate statements or actions capable of disrupting public peace or threatening the security of Osun State.

He explained that the invitation was intended to give Fadahunsi an opportunity to clarify the alleged statement while also helping the police prevent the controversy from escalating ahead of the election.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has invited Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi to provide clarification on the statement and to foster mutual understanding in the interest of peace and security,” he said.

Commissioner rules out intimidation

The commissioner stressed that the invitation was not designed to intimidate the senator or interfere with his political activities.

According to him, the move formed part of measures being taken by the command to prevent possible escalation and ensure that the election is conducted peacefully.

Etaifo urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid statements capable of provoking violence.

He also advised parties and individuals with grievances to pursue lawful channels rather than resorting to inflammatory rhetoric.

Fadahunsi’s alleged comment circulates online

Fadahunsi reportedly made the controversial remark in Yoruba in a video circulating on social media.

The senator was said to have made the comment while speaking at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in Ilesa during an engagement ahead of the governorship election.

In the video, Fadahunsi allegedly said that any Accord Party member seen in Ilesa before the election should be killed.

The reported statement generated reactions across the state, with political actors calling for clarification and appropriate action.

Adeleke calls for senator’s arrest

Reacting to the alleged comment, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke called for Fadahunsi’s arrest, warning that such remarks could contribute to violence ahead of the election.

Adeleke said he had raised the matter with the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

According to the governor, the police chief confirmed the existence of the video and assured him that appropriate action would be taken over the matter.

The development has added to concerns among political stakeholders about the need to prevent inflammatory statements and possible clashes as parties intensify mobilisation across the state.

Police reiterate commitment to peaceful poll

The Osun Police Command assured residents and stakeholders that it would remain committed to maintaining law and order before, during and after Saturday’s election.

Etaifo urged political leaders and their supporters to place the peace and stability of Osun State above partisan interests.

“The command remains committed to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the election and urges all stakeholders to place the peace and stability of Osun State above partisan interests,” the statement read in part.

The command also called on political parties, candidates, supporters and members of the public to conduct themselves responsibly and support efforts towards a peaceful, free, fair and credible governorship election.