KRAD Condemns Osun Violence, Urges Politicians to Prioritize Development Over Bloodshed*

By Tiamiyu Kazeem

Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, SAN, the APC Candidate for Osun Central Senatorial District, has strongly condemned the recent wave of violence and destruction across parts of Osun State, calling for an immediate end to what he described as “political bloodshed.”

In a press statement released on Monday, Adegoke expressed deep sadness over reports of loss of lives, attacks, and destruction of property linked to recent political developments in the state.

“The bleeding must stop. No political contest, disagreement, commercial interest or personal ambition is worth the life of any Osun resident,” Adegoke said. “Human life is sacred, and the responsibility of every leader — political, traditional, religious or community — is to protect life and promote peace.”

He extended condolences to families who lost loved ones and prayed for the quick recovery of those injured.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged security agencies to act “swiftly, professionally and impartially” to restore order and bring perpetrators of killings, attacks, and property destruction to justice. “No one should be above the law,” he added.

Adegoke also appealed to political actors and their supporters to embrace restraint, stressing that politics should be about ideas, service, and development — not violence, intimidation, and vengeance.

He noted that Osun residents are currently battling unemployment, poverty, poor infrastructure, and the rising cost of living, and said those should be the focus of political leaders.

“Our people need jobs, roads, schools, healthcare, security and economic opportunities. They do not need political violence,” he stated.

The APC senatorial candidate called on leaders to rise above partisan interests and resolve differences through dialogue, negotiation, and the courts. He particularly warned youths against being used as tools for political violence.

“Do not allow anyone to use your energy, anger or desperation to destroy the very society in which you must live and build your future,” Adegoke urged.

Reaffirming his commitment to “responsible, people-centred and development-focused politics,” Adegoke concluded:
“Let us choose dialogue over confrontation, development over destruction, and the future of Osun over the ambitions of individuals. Osun belongs to all of us. We must protect it together.”