By By Matthew Alugbin
It is deeply tragic that, in the lead-up to the gubernatorial election in Osun State, we find ourselves counting lives lost rather than debating the candidates’ visions or the promises of governance. Manifestos are now being interpreted through mortuary casualties. I have chosen to present a scorecard of blood. Perhaps this will speak to someone, or perhaps it will save a soul before the upcoming gubernatorial election on August 15, 2026.
The two prominent political parties, the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC), have previously pointed accusing fingers at each other for the avoidable political killings and attacks. The parties disagree about who is responsible for the killings and attacks. They disagree on everything else, including whether human life is negotiable. Both agree only on one thing: the other party is responsible.
To be honest, we have lost track of the exact number of casualties. What remains are the names of the notable victims we cannot forget. What sense does it make to even hold elections when the citizens are busy attending funerals and mourning lives that have fallen due to avoidable campaign clashes? Does INEC intend to set up polling booths inside cemeteries?
Let me introduce you to the scorecard of lives lost in Osun State’s political violence.
1. Remi Abass was killed on Monday, February 17, 2025. He died during a violent political clash at the Irewole Local Government secretariat in Ikire, Osun
2. Ajayi Aderogba was an Accord supporter shot dead in Esa Oke, Obokun LGA on June 23, 2026.
3. Kolade Eluyera, another Accord member in Irewole LGA, was brutally murdered on May 8, 2026.
4. Ismaila Ibrahim lost his life during the violent invasion of local government councils in Ilesa in 2025.
5. Just as Ismaila, Hon Kasali Adebayo was another casualty of the same Ilesa incident.
6. Oladimeji Taiwo was killed in Boripe LGA during an attack on public institutions.
7. Oloyede Damilare was also a victim in Boripe LGA, just as Taiwo.
8. Taliat Simbiat, a woman, died during Accord Party primaries in Iwo, Ayedire/Iwo/Olaoluwa Federal Constituency.
9. Ezekiel Olapade, a 14-year-old boy, was killed by a stray bullet during an Accord/APC clash in Ilobu, Irepodun LGA on June 21, 2026.
10. Timilehin Oni was also fatally shot in July 2026
11. Saheed Oyegunju is of Ward 9, Ikire. He was allegedly murdered by hoodlums because of his political party affiliation.
12. On 16 Jul 2026, APC members in the Egbatedo area of Osogbo were allegedly attacked. Kazeem Akande, aged 70, was a victim at Owode-Igbonna.
13. Same day, one Abdullateef Olamilekan was also a victim around Egbatedo area, and he breathed his last having suffered gunshot wounds.
Beyond several deaths recorded, there are several others who have been fortunate to escape. Hon Asimiyu Ajibola, the Chairman of Accord in Osogbo LGA, was shot multiple times on June 3, 2026 and was later hospitalized. 60-year-old Kehinde Salaudeen suffered injuries together with Olalekan Mutiu, and a 13-year-old girl, Rodiyat Ariyo. This was during the meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where some attendees were attacked. While proposing honour for victims of electoral violence, the Governor, The Imole Campaign Council, fronting for Governor Ademola Adeleke, listed Samuel Saliu, Taofeek Saka, Lawal Habeeb, Adeyemi Toheeb, Monday Fidelis, Ramoni Kamolideen, Kamar Aola, and John Matthew as victims of political attacks. Meanwhile, in proposing honours for victims of electoral violence, the Imole Campaign Council, fronting for Governor Ademola Adeleke, listed the following as victims of political attacks: Samuel Saliu, Taofeek Saka, Lawal Habeeb, Adeyemi Toheeb, Monday Fidelis, Ramoni Kamolideen, Kamar Aola, and John Matthew. Whether these names are added to the casualty roll or the survivor’s list, it remains clear that the bloodshed has touched every ward, every local government, and every political affiliation in Osun State.
We expect the disagreement between political parties to centre on who has the better plans for quality education, how to revive the ailing healthcare system, or which candidate offers the most credible roadmap for economic prosperity. Instead, we are debating whose political thugs struck first. That alone tells you how far we have fallen. A reasonable observer would naturally ask: where are the police and other security agencies in all of this? They too have been fingered in partisan manoeuvring, with allegations of bias and selective response to violence. Accusations and counter-accusations are not what we need. Meanwhile, what we need from security officials is decisive action, impartial investigations and the prosecution of offenders.
If you are a young person reading this piece, I urge you to go through the names of the casualties again. Pause at each one and ask yourself: did you see any Oyetola, any Adeleke, or any Oyebamiji among them? Your guess will be as good as mine. The sons and daughters of the powerful are not the ones lying in mortuaries or bleeding out on campaign routes. It is the ordinary followers, the foot soldiers, the party youths, and the unwitting enthusiasts who pay the ultimate price for battles they did not start and will not benefit from. This is not to encourage apathy. There are many worthy causes to die for in this country: the defence of your family, the pursuit of justice, the fight against oppression, and many more. Choose your battles wisely and do not die in their war! Do not be the sacrificial lamb on the altar of political ambition.
Elections will come and go, and politicians will move on. But when it is time to feast on the spoils, they will close ranks and bury their differences while your family is left to mourn a future that never arrived.
