By Hon. Comrade James Onifade 
Osun State, long regarded as one of the most peaceful states in the southwest, was thrown into chaos yesterday as violent clashes erupted between two rival factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilesa. What began as a political rivalry between two prominent camps: loyal to Ambo and Omisore has now taken a deadly turn, raising serious concerns ahead of the forthcoming political season.
According to a picture I saw, a notorious political enforcer known as Geranini was gruesomely killed during the violent confrontation. His lifeless body, found in a horrifying state, sent shockwaves across the community. The level of brutality displayed suggests that the political tensions within the ruling party have escalated far beyond internal disagreement and have now assumed the form of organised violence.
Osun has enjoyed relative peace in recent years. But as the struggle to control political structures deepens, especially the fight for influence over the Bola Ige House, certain actors appear determined to drag the state down a path of bloodshed.
I can recall vividly that in February 2025, the same elements were reportedly responsible for the killing of several PDP leaders in a bid to forcibly seize the Ilesa East Local Government Secretariat.
The pattern is clear: violence is becoming a political tool, and silence from authorities only emboldens the perpetrators.
Political violence is one of the darkest stains on Nigeria’s democracy. When thugs become kingmakers, democracy becomes hostage. Osun must not allow this dangerous trajectory to continue.The killing of Geranini regardless of his affiliation or reputation should alarm every right-thinking citizen, because when political violence starts, control is easily lost and innocent people suffer the most.
This is no longer an APC internal problem, It is now a security problem, a governance problem, and a potential crisis that could destabilise the entire state if left unchecked.
Security Agencies Must Act Now
The Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and all relevant agencies must urgently wade into this matter.
They must:
Arrest the perpetrators of yesterday’s violence
Identify and prosecute the sponsors of these criminal elements
Deploy personnel to secure Ilesa and prevent reprisals
Monitor political actors fueling tension across the state
Osun cannot afford to become another flashpoint of political violence. The signals are already troubling, and early intervention is the only way to prevent further escalation.
I also appeal to Governor Ademola Adeleke to protect lives, safeguard property, and preserve peace. Political violence must not be allowed to thrive under his watch because what happened in Ilesa yesterday is a warning sign that
The government must convene an emergency security meeting
Issue clear directives to security agencies, Engage political leaders across factions, Ensure perpetrators face justice, Anything less would amount to negligence.
Osun must set a clear example because political thuggery will not be tolerated. Violence will not be rewarded. And no political ambition is worth a single drop of human blood.
Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin