Dare Babalola
Governor Ademola Adeleke has turned down the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s plea for his intervention in the ongoing investigation into the Akinlalu incident, dismissing their allegations as a desperate attempt by a “losing party to gain relevance”, and instead opted to let the law take its course.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday, Governor Ademola Adeleke reaffirmed his confidence in the ongoing police investigation, which is working to uncover the facts surrounding the tragic killings in Akinlalu, while also urging caution against politicizing the incident, emphasizing that it is a matter of law and order that should be handled by the authorities.
He wrote, “The Akinlalu matter is a question of law and order and the Inspector General of Police has acted on the matter. The police is conducting an active investigation. Our government will not intervene or interfere.
“I caution our people to avoid the temptation to politicise the unfortunate incident. We should allow due process to take its cause without let or hindrance.
“The opposition’s allegations are unfounded and baseless. The Osun APC in want of direction and strategy has grown to be a constant purveyor of fake news.
“We will not succumb to blackmail or surrender to a party that is more interested in destabilising the state than delivering on good governance.”
The Akinlalu incident occurred on September 30, 2025, in Akinlalu, a small community in Osun State’s Ife North Local Government Area. The incident involved operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps, who allegedly invaded the community, shooting sporadically and killing three people, including three brothers from the Oyebamiji family. Several others were injured, and some were taken to hospitals for treatment.
According to eyewitnesses, the Amotekun operatives claimed to be responding to a distress call regarding suspected bandits in the area. However, residents disputed this account, stating that the operatives attacked without provocation, chasing and shooting at residents. The incident sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for an investigation and justice for the victims.
The Osun State Government swiftly responded to the incident, with Governor Ademola Adeleke ordering a full investigation and dispatching a government delegation to the community. The Nigeria Police Force also launched an investigation, arresting 20 Amotekun operatives in connection with the incident and sealing off the Amotekun operation bases in Osogbo and Ile-Ife.
