Residents, youths and elders in Ijesaland, Osun East Senatorial District, have called on security agencies to investigate Senator Francis Fadahunsi over an alleged inciting statement connected to the recent Osun governorship election.
The demand was made during a peaceful procession in Ilesa, where protesters expressed concern over reported incidents of violence before and after the election in parts of Ijesaland.
Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, was accused by the protesters of making a statement they claimed had the potential to heighten tensions in the region.
The protesters urged the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the allegation and prosecute the senator if found to have committed an offence.
They said political status should not shield anyone from accountability, insisting that persons found culpable of election-related offences should face the law irrespective of their political affiliation, social position or public office.
Beyond the allegation against the senator, the protesters called for stronger security operations across Ijesaland, particularly in communities considered vulnerable to election-related violence.
They specifically demanded intelligence-led operations to identify and recover illegal firearms and arrest suspected political thugs allegedly operating with weapons and threatening residents.
According to the protesters, security agencies need to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent further incidents and restore confidence among residents following the reported pre- and post-election violence.
They also appealed to political actors and their supporters to exercise restraint, warning that inflammatory statements and rhetoric could further aggravate tensions and undermine the relative peace and stability of Ijesaland.
The protesters maintained that security agencies must act impartially and ensure that every person suspected of committing an offence is subjected to due process.
They said a credible response to allegations of election-related violence would require not only arrests and prosecution where necessary, but also sustained security monitoring to prevent a recurrence.
The call comes amid concerns over the security implications of political disputes surrounding the Osun governorship election, with residents urging authorities to prioritise the protection of lives and property across the senatorial district.
