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LERE OYEWUMI’S PROTEST IS A DESPERATE BID TO ESCAPE JUSTICE OVER KILLINGS OF SAHEED OYEGUNJU, REMI ABASS, NOT A QUEST FOR JUSTICE FOR EZEKIEL OLOPADE – OSUN APC GOVERNORSHIP CAMPAIG COUNCIL

Published by admin on June 23rd, 2026.

LERE OYEWUMI’S PROTEST IS A DESPERATE BID TO ESCAPE JUSTICE OVER KILLINGS OF SAHEED OYEGUNJU, REMI ABASS, NOT A QUEST FOR JUSTICE FOR EZEKIEL OLOPADE – OSUN APC GOVERNORSHIP CAMPAIG COUNCIL

• Tasks Senator to Submit Self For Police Investigation

The Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council has received with concern reports of a planned protest by Senator Lere Oyewumi under the guise of seeking justice for the late Ezekiel Olopade, whose unfortunate and untimely death has deeply saddened the people of Osun State.

While we sympathize with the family of the deceased and support every lawful effort aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding his death, we strongly reject the attempt by Senator Lere Oyewumi to exploit the tragic incident as a political shield against mounting questions regarding his links to previous political killings in Irewole Local Government Area.

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, Hon. Saheed Oyegunju and Hon. Remi Abass, who were gruesomely murdered in February 2023 and February 2025 respectively.

The late Hon. Saheed Oyegunju, an APC Treasurer in Ward 9, Irewole Local Government Area and a compatriot of Senator Lere Oyewumi, was brutally attacked on the day President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then the Presidential Candidate of the APC, was scheduled to campaign in Osogbo. Oyegunju was abducted, going by account of eye witnesses and video evidence, while on his way to the rally, and his lifeless body was later discovered along Oosa Village via Ikire.

Since that horrific incident, several allegations have persisted regarding the involvement of Senator Lere Oyewumi and his loyalists.

It is equally a matter of public concern that many suspects arrested in connection with the crime were subsequently released under circumstances that continue to raise serious questions among members of the public and the bereaved family.

Similarly, the murder of Hon. Remi Abass, who until his death served as Chairman of Irewole Local Government, remains one of the darkest chapters in the political history of Osun State. Hon. Abass was brutally killed within the premises of the Irewole Local Government Secretariat in February 2025.

Public reports have indicated that some suspects arrested in connection with the killing allegedly mentioned influential political figures, including Senator Lere Oyewumi, during investigations. These allegations deserve thorough, impartial and professional investigation by law enforcement agencies without interference from any quarter.

Of particular concern is the continued evasion of arrest by Jide Jọda, a suspect linked to the murder case who absconded after being granted bail. Despite being declared wanted by the police, he remains at large.

Equally troubling are allegations that he continues to enjoy protection from powerful political interests and is being housed in the Government House under the nose of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

It is therefore hypocritical for Senator Lere Oyewumi to parade the streets under the guise of demanding justice while serious questions remain unanswered regarding the deaths of Hon. Saheed Oyegunju and Hon. Remi Abass.

Rather than constituting a public nuisance through a disgraceful and provocative protest, Senator Oyewumi should make himself available to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to answer questions regarding allegations surrounding the murders of his fellow Ikire indigenes. No amount of street protests, political grandstanding or media drama can substitute for accountability under the law.

The Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council therefore calls on 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. Particular attention should be given to efforts aimed at locating and arresting Jide Jọda, Emir Ajagungbade, Nurudeen Alowonle and any other persons identified during ongoing investigations.

Justice must not be selective. The families of Hon. Saheed Oyegunju, Hon. Remi Abass and every victim of political violence in Osun State deserve justice. The rule of law demands that no individual, regardless of political status, influence or office, should be above investigation or prosecution where credible allegations exist.

No murderer should escape justice.

Signed:
Engr Oluremi Omowaiye
Head, Media and Publicity Committee
Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council
23 June 2026