Ilobu Teenager’s Killing: Gov. Adeleke’s Campaign Council and APC Call for Justice and Peace

The death of 14‑year‑old Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, has reignited concerns about political violence in the state. The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have both condemned the killing and called for a thorough police investigation.

Both parties urged peace and justice, with the teenager’s death drawing renewed attention to security and political tensions ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

At a world press conference in Osogbo on Monday, TICC Director‑General Senator Kamarudeen Olalere Oyewumi described the killing as evidence of a dangerous trend toward political assassinations that could undermine peace, security and democratic stability in Osun State.

Oyewumi said the teenager was shot on June 21 while attempting to rescue his mother during a violent attack in Ilobu. He alleged that eyewitnesses linked the assault to a group allegedly led by Saheed Kareem, known as “Tanfeani.”

“The circumstances surrounding the death of this innocent child are both heartbreaking and infuriating. He was simply trying to rescue his mother, who had fallen while fleeing from sporadic gunshots,” Oyewumi said.

The TICC chief claimed that the Osun State Police Command had identified the alleged gang leader and urged authorities to take decisive action. He also called on Inspector‑General of Police Mr Olatunji Disu to order the arrest and prosecution of all persons connected with the incident.

“We demand a comprehensive investigation into all reported incidents of political violence across Osun State with a view to bringing every perpetrator, sponsor and collaborator to justice, irrespective of status or political affiliation,” he added.

Oyewumi expressed a lack of confidence in the leadership of the Osun State Police Command under Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gottan, calling for his redeployment and an investigation into what he described as repeated failures in tackling political violence.

In a separate statement on Monday, the Osun APC condemned the killing of Olapade, describing it as wicked, inconsiderate and barbaric. Through its Director of Media and Information Kola Olabisi, the party said the teenager’s death represented the highest level of wickedness and urged the police to investigate and prosecute anyone found culpable.

“We are strongly calling on the state police command to investigate the callous killing of the teenager with a view to bringing to justice whoever might be directly or remotely connected with the extra‑judicial killing of the teenager in Ilobu,” the statement read.

The opposition party expressed sympathy for the family and residents of Ilobu, praying for the fortitude to bear what it described as an irreparable loss.

The APC also warned individuals allegedly using political platforms to perpetrate violence to desist from such acts, insisting that violence was not part of the ideology of the party or its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

“Our governorship candidate does not believe in violence, and he has never and will never sponsor violence against anyone or group of persons as it is his belief that the political ambition of any individual is not worth the blood of any person,” the party stated.

The APC urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to fulfil his constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.