Violence erupted yesterday in Osun State as the battle for the control of the local government secretariats between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) turned bloody.
The mayhem was recorded in 15 out of the 30 council secretariats.
A Court of Appeal judgment was interpreted differently by the APC and the PDP.
According to the APC, all its reliefs were granted by the justices – meaning that the council chairmen sacked by the PDP government headed by Governor Ademola Adeleke are reinstated.
The sacked chairmen picked yesterday to return to office.
However, the government said the judgment was not declarative and did not reinstate the sacked chairmen.
The clashes were intense in Boripe, Atakunmosa West, Ede South, Isokan, Irewole, Ola-Oluwa, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Osogbo, Olorunda, Ede North local governments
In Irewole, the reinstated chairman Remi Abass was seized in front of the secretariat and taken away. His body was brought back to the secretariat hours later, according to eyewitnesses.
In Ilesa, Executive Director of Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Remi Omowaiye came under ambush with his car riddled with bullets. He was lucky to escape unhurt. His driver and police orderly were injured.
In Osogbo, a top state government official was seen battling with some APC supporters for control of the local government secretariat.
Trouble started in many of the councils as APC members, led by their local leaders, attempted to take over the secretariats to enforce the Court of Appeal judgment.
They were elected, shortly before the tenure of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola expired in 2022.
The leadership of Osun APC claimed that the party had taken over 15 of the 30 councils.
To curtail the mayhem, Governor Adeleke ordered residents to keep away from the councils.
Prominent monarchs appealed for calm, urging the two sides in the dispute to accord priority to peace.
The police said the circumstances surrounding the mayhem were being investigated.
The State caucus in the National Assembly led by Bamidele Salam urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene.
Adeleke and Oyetola, who is the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy have been at loggerheads over the reinstatement verdict of the Court of Appeal.
The governor had insisted that the sacked council chairmen cannot return to office, citing security reasons.
However, Oyetola said the Appeal Court judgment would be implemented through the instruments of law. He added that the council executives should resume yesterday.
Two persons were shot in Boripe local government after the reinstated council executives resumed office.
There was jubilation, following the take-over of the secretariat. But on their way home, they clashed with PDP members who laid ambush for them.
In Ife Central Council, PDP members protested the take-over of the secretariat. There was a commotion, leading to a gridlock along the Ibadan/Ikire Expressway.
A 15-second video which went viral showed the slain reinstated Irelowole local government chairman’s blood-stained body.
Commissioner for Government Affairs and Protocol, Soji Ajeigbe, who was at Boripe, alleged that two PDP members were killed by thugs. But he did not substantiate it.
An APC chieftain, Jamiu Olawumi, told reporters at Ilerioluwa Campaign Office in Osogbo, that APC had taken over 15 secretariats.
He said: “We have taken 15 LGAs, including Ede South, the council of Adeleke. We are continuing the struggle tomorrow(today).
“It is unfortunate that Adeleke and PDP in the state employ non-state actors to frustrate the enforcement of the Appeal Court verdict, which reinstated our members to the council as executives.”
Also, former Commissioner for Local Government, Adebayo Adeleke, alleged that members of APC have been marked for assassination.
Omowaiye escaped assassination by the whisker around 2:05 pm at the front of Ilesa West local government secretariat.
The former commissioner had mobilised APC members in Ilesa to the Police Command to seek protection for the reinstated chairmen and councillors.
But as he was returning to Osogbo, he ran into an ambush in front of the Ilesa West secretariat. His car was riddled with bullets.
Recounting his ordeal, Omowaiye said: “I was returning to Osogbo from Ilesa when we ran into an ambush in front of Ilesa West local government. They shot at where I was sitting on the bus. Bullets shattered the side windscreen.
“My driver and police orderly sustained serious gunshot wounds. They have been taken to hospital for treatment.”
Omowaiye added that the car of the reinstated chairman of Ilesa East was attacked on the spot where he was ambushed.
He said the perpetrators should be brought to book.
Adeleke to residents: stay away from secretariats
Adeleke directed residents to stay away from the local government secretariats and avoid further bloodshed, according to a statement by his media aide, Olawale Rasheed.
He said: “I therefore direct all law-abiding Osun residents to stay away from the council secretariats especially as they are expected to be under lock and key.
“I equally condole families of victims of the APC illegal takeover bid and the chaos unleashed across the state by the APC and their hired thugs. PDP lost five members with several others wounded.”
Monarch sues for peace
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, in a statement, said: “I offer my royal appeal to the good people of Osun State, most especially the politicians, to desist from acts capable of destroying the existing peaceful co-existence in the state.
“The violent attacks reported by the media in some local governments are worrisome. It doesn’t depict the true image of the state as the land of virtues.
‘’Let’s prioritise our lives and protect the infrastructures built with our collective resources.”
The monarch expressed worry over likely violence in Iwo community, warning politicians against mayhem in his domain.
IG orders end to violence
IGP Kayode Egbetokun ordered policemen to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, quoted Egbetokun as saying that the perpetrators of the criminal acts would be fished out and brought to book.
The statement reads: “Osun indigenes, leaders, and stakeholders are hereby urged to shun violence and go about their legitimate businesses.
“The judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter of all electoral disputes and political actors must respect and abide by its rulings, upholding the rule of law and democratic principles. Citizens are advised to go about their lawful businesses.
“The Force reiterates its commitment to clamping down on any violent actors bent on creating brouhaha and breakdown of law and order in any part of the country.
“The situation in Osun will be closely monitored, and measures will be enforced to ensure a safe environment for all residents.”
Bashiru seeks state of emergency
The APC National Secretary, Dr Ajibola Basiru, urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency to curtail further violence.
But the state Commissioner for Information, Kola Alimi, rejected the call, saying that it was unnecessary.
The duo spoke on the television about the clashes.
Basiru said: “I will suggest that perhaps it will be necessary for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency. It has gotten to that stage where hapless people coming from farms are attacked by uncontrollable PDP thugs.”
But Alimi rejected that, saying: “I call on our amiable President to reject the call of Honourable Bashiru and his cohorts. That is exactly what they are targeting, they deliberately caused mayhem in this state.
“We are going to publish the names of our members that have been killed. There is no court of appeal that restored them. We urge them to toe the line of peace.”
Why chairmen can’t return, by PDP
The PDP said the chairmen cannot be reinstated through public incitement.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said in a statement, that the chairmen’s fate had been sealed.
He said: “The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cautions the sacked Osun State local government chairmen and councillors to perish the thought of forcing themselves back into office as such will amount to a futile venture with dire consequences.”
Ologunagba said a judgment of the Court to Appeal had nullified the attempt by Oyetola to install them as chairmen.
He accused the APC of attempting to incite unrest by disputing the ruling.
Ologunagba said the APC should respect the court’s decision and prepare for a fresh local government election as scheduled by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).
He urged law enforcement agencies to investigate the violence, alleging that APC supporters were involved in the clashes that led to the casualties.
Ologunagba also urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure that those responsible for the disturbances were held accountable.
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama
Anambra Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Child, Rescue Four
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old woman, identified as Anulika Onyeanusia, over an alleged child sexual abuse case in Onitsha following the circulation of a disturbing video online.
The arrest was made after police operatives obtained open-source intelligence concerning a trending video that allegedly depicted the abuse of a minor. The development prompted an investigation by the command, which subsequently led to the rescue of four children from the location.
According to the police, the operation was carried out on September 10, 2026, and the rescued children are aged two, three, six and nine.
Police operatives also recovered sex toys and other items considered relevant to the investigation.
The suspect remains in police custody while investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The woman’s husband has also been questioned by the police as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, described the alleged exploitation of a child as unacceptable and directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated. He also ordered that the rescued children receive appropriate protection, care and support.
The command said it would work with relevant child protection and support agencies to safeguard the welfare of the children and provide assistance as required.
Police authorities also stressed the need to protect the identities and privacy of the children involved, particularly as the case gained attention following the circulation of the video online.
The command commended local vigilantes, residents and individuals who provided information that assisted the investigation.
Authorities have not publicly established who created or distributed the video, nor have they confirmed claims that the suspect sold the material. Those circumstances remain part of the investigation.
The police are expected to establish the relationship between the suspect and the children, determine how the alleged abuse occurred and ascertain whether anyone else participated in or facilitated the alleged offence.
The command urged members of the public not to circulate material that could identify or further expose the children involved, stressing that their protection and wellbeing remain a priority as the investigation continues.
Anambra Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Child, Rescue Four
MURIC fires back at Peter Obi: Forget Sallah ceremony, free Nigerian Muslims
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has fired a strong warning to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, saying that sharing Sallah with the Sultan of Sokoto will mean little to Nigerian Muslims unless accompanied by concrete policies to address what it described as years of religious inequality and exclusion.
MURIC said Obi’s reported promise to spend Sallah with the Sultan if elected president in 2027 was a welcome gesture, but insisted that Nigerian Muslims were no longer interested in political symbolism, Sallah gifts or pilgrimage sponsorship.
The organisation, in a statement signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Saturday, challenged Obi to tell Nigerian Muslims what he intends to do differently if he wins the presidency.
According to MURIC, Muslims need inclusion in governance and a level playing field rather than presidential ceremonies designed to create political goodwill.
The group said Obi’s proposed Sallah visit to Sokoto was “sheer window dressing” if it was not backed by policies capable of improving the welfare and protecting the rights of Nigerian Muslims.
“We welcome Mr. Peter Obi’s offer as it reflects his willingness to identify with Muslim leaders, particularly our respected and beloved leader, the Sultan of Sokoto. But that is poles apart from a readiness to involve Muslims in governance. We covet the latter and reject the former. It is sheer window dressing,” MURIC said.
The organisation declared that the era when Muslims could be won over with promises of Hajj slots, Sallah cows and Ramadan gifts was over.
MURIC said Muslim voters had become more conscious of what it described as disparities in the country’s political, economic, educational and social structures.
“For gone are those days when eyes were still located at the knees,” the group said, arguing that Muslims now wanted to examine government policies and their practical impact rather than rely on political gestures.
MURIC alleged that Muslims had been disadvantaged by aspects of Nigeria’s national structure, beginning with the public holiday system.
The organisation questioned why Sunday was recognised nationwide as a public holiday while the Muslim Friday congregational prayer was not accorded similar consideration.
It argued that Muslim workers often had to combine normal work obligations with Friday worship, describing the arrangement as unfair.
“That is not balance. That is not fairness,” MURIC declared.
The organisation also launched a broadside against what it described as the Christian orientation of Nigeria’s educational and legal systems.
MURIC alleged that the country’s educational system, including its administrative arrangements and curriculum, had been structured in a manner that did not adequately accommodate Muslim interests.
On the judiciary, the group demanded what it described as a genuinely plural legal structure involving common law, Sharia and customary law.
It criticised what it called the rejection of Sharia in Southern Nigeria, while noting that common law is accepted across the country.
“The North accepts common law. But the South rejects Shari’ah. That is not inclusivity. That is not acceptance. That is not tolerance,” the organisation said.
MURIC also took aim at the country’s holiday calendar, demanding greater official recognition for Islamic dates.
The organisation questioned why January 1 is recognised as a public holiday while 1 Muharram, the beginning of the Islamic calendar year, is not given similar national recognition.
It described the situation as “official refusal of recognition” and urged political leaders to address what it considers religious imbalance in national policy.
The group further raised concerns over the participation of Muslim women in the Nigerian military.
MURIC alleged that military uniform regulations that do not accommodate the hijab could discourage or prevent some Muslim women from joining the armed forces.
It argued that the issue had implications for employment opportunities and economic advancement for Muslim women.
“Muslim women cannot join the army because the military’s uniform does not accommodate hijab,” the organisation alleged, adding that it considered the matter a question of civil liberties.
MURIC said these were the issues Obi should be addressing if he genuinely wanted the support and confidence of Nigerian Muslims ahead of the 2027 election.
The organisation insisted that restructuring Nigeria must go beyond political arrangements and include what it called a comprehensive restructuring of opportunities and rights for religious communities.
“Real restructuring must be comprehensive. It must not leave any particular group in perpetual slavery,” MURIC said.
‘We don’t need Hajj sponsorship’
In a striking departure from the traditional demands often associated with Muslim political engagement, MURIC told politicians to stop using government-sponsored pilgrimage as a tool for winning Muslim support.
The organisation said Muslims knew the road to Makkah and could organise their pilgrimage without political sponsorship.
It alleged that government-funded pilgrimage arrangements were sometimes abused by politicians to reward political loyalists and associates.
“Away with the old ways. We don’t want pilgrimage sponsorship. Muslims know the road to Makkah,” MURIC declared.
The group said governments should limit their role in pilgrimage to necessary protocol matters rather than sponsoring individuals.
According to MURIC, such an approach would reduce opportunities for political patronage and ensure that pilgrimage was not turned into a political reward system.
MURIC challenges Obi
While taking a tough stance against Obi’s Sallah pledge, MURIC acknowledged the former Anambra State governor’s efforts to broaden his appeal ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The organisation said it recognised Obi’s second attempt at the presidency and his apparent efforts not to be perceived as an exclusively Christian candidate.
But it said symbolic gestures would not be enough to win its confidence.
MURIC challenged Obi to clearly explain his agenda for Nigerian Muslims and demonstrate how his administration, if elected, would address the concerns raised by the organisation.
“What is his plan for Nigerian Muslims: to continue to enslave us or to set us free?” MURIC asked.
The organisation then delivered its clearest political message to the presidential hopeful: it said Muslim voters were ready to support him if he committed himself to addressing their demands.
“We are ready to vote for you if you promise to address the above issues. The ball is in Peter Obi’s court,” MURIC declared.
The statement comes as political parties and presidential aspirants intensify their engagement with various religious, regional and demographic blocs ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For MURIC, however, the message to Obi is clear: Sallah greetings and visits to Muslim leaders may win applause, but policy commitments, according to the organisation, will determine whether Nigerian Muslims consider a presidential candidate worthy of their support.
MURIC fires back at Peter Obi: Forget Sallah ceremony, free Nigerian Muslims
Former Minister of Aviation and Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, Femi Fani-Kayode
Fani-Kayode Condemns Fresh Killing of Two Nigerians in South Africa
Former Minister of Aviation and Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned the reported killing of two Nigerians in South Africa, warning that continued attacks and discrimination against Nigerian nationals could further strain relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Fani-Kayode, in a post on his official X account on Friday, identified the victims as Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, who died in separate incidents in South Africa earlier this month.
Fakunle was reportedly killed at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4 after allegedly receiving threats, while Nwankwo died the following day in an incident involving officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Fani-Kayode said he was “mortified and deeply shocked” by Fakunle’s death, alleging that unidentified attackers went to the bishop’s residence and shot him after threats had reportedly been made against him.
He also expressed concern over Nwankwo’s death, alleging that the Nigerian was subjected to what he described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” by South African police officers.
The circumstances surrounding both deaths remain subject to investigation. Nigerian authorities have confirmed the deaths and raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
Fani-Kayode claimed that the deaths of Fakunle and Nwankwo brought the number of Nigerians allegedly killed in South Africa in 2026 to eight, with four of the cases allegedly involving South African police officers.
He further claimed that more than 100 Nigerian nationals had been killed in South Africa between 2022 and 2026, including more than 30 allegedly killed by personnel of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.
The figures cited by Fani-Kayode are claims attributed to him and have not been independently verified in their entirety.
However, the Nigerian government has separately raised concerns over the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa. In July, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye said 98 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa since 2022 in mob attacks, hate-related violence and extrajudicial killings.
Fani-Kayode said the lack of arrests and prosecutions in cases involving Nigerians was particularly disturbing, given repeated concerns raised by the Nigerian Mission.
He called on the South African Government to strengthen the protection of Nigerians and ensure that anyone responsible for attacks against them is investigated and brought to justice.
“No-one deserves to be targeted and murdered simply because they are Nigerian,” he said.
The envoy also raised concern over a fresh September 30 deadline reportedly issued by the South African anti-immigration movement March and March, which has demanded that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country.
The development has heightened anxiety among Nigerian and other African migrant communities as South Africa continues to grapple with tensions surrounding immigration, unemployment and access to public services.
Fani-Kayode accused groups behind the ultimatum of using xenophobic and Afrophobic rhetoric and urged the South African authorities to prevent threats against foreign nationals from escalating into violence.
He called on Pretoria to protect Nigerians and other African nationals and prosecute individuals found to have threatened, attacked or killed them.
The renewed tensions have also triggered a stronger response from Nigeria.
The National Assembly on Friday suspended official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers, committees, legislative officials and staff to boycott South African-hosted legislative activities until further notice.
The suspension covers physical and virtual participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organised or hosted by South African legislative institutions.
The decision followed renewed reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation and displacement involving Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
Nigerian lawmakers said they were particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured and forced to abandon their homes, businesses and property.
The National Assembly, however, stressed that the decision was not intended to sever Nigeria’s diplomatic relationship with South Africa but to send a strong message over the need to protect Nigerian citizens.
The legislature called on South African authorities to investigate reported attacks, prosecute those responsible and strengthen measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals living legally in the country.
The Federal Government has also continued efforts to assist Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa because of security concerns.
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, said the Nigerian mission was preparing for further evacuations following the renewed threats against foreign nationals.
Ajayi disclosed that 1,699 Nigerians had been evacuated from South Africa in 2026, with the exercise supported by the Nigerian government, Air Peace and private organisations.
He said the mission was working towards additional evacuation efforts as the September 30 deadline approaches.
The latest incidents have also drawn concern from the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), which called for a thorough investigation into Fakunle’s killing.
The association said the Nigerian cleric was shot at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4 and urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding his death were properly established.
The latest killings come amid a broader resurgence of anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, where foreign nationals have repeatedly faced accusations over unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
Nigerians have historically been among the most prominent African migrant communities in South Africa and have frequently become targets during xenophobic campaigns and attacks.
South African authorities have repeatedly condemned xenophobic violence and called for peaceful coexistence, while also facing domestic pressure to tighten immigration controls.
The renewed tensions have therefore placed additional pressure on both governments to balance immigration concerns with the protection of foreign nationals and the preservation of bilateral relations.
Fani-Kayode warned that continued killings and discrimination could have consequences for Nigeria-South Africa relations, despite ongoing efforts by both countries to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation.
“Simply put, our patience is wearing thin,” he said, urging the South African government to reciprocate Nigeria’s efforts to maintain good relations by protecting Nigerian nationals and addressing Abuja’s concerns.
He also appealed for justice for Fakunle and Nwankwo and extended his condolences to their families, friends and associates.
The latest developments are expected to increase pressure on Pretoria to investigate attacks against Nigerians, while Nigerian authorities face growing demands to strengthen diplomatic measures and provide assistance to citizens who feel unsafe in South Africa.
For the Nigerian community in South Africa, the deaths have deepened concerns over personal safety, business security and the possibility of further attacks as the September 30 deadline approaches.
The situation has also reinforced calls for both countries to intensify diplomatic engagement and ensure that Nigerians in South Africa can live and conduct legitimate businesses without fear of violence, intimidation or discrimination.
Fani-Kayode Condemns Fresh Killing of Two Nigerians in South Africa
