By Rukevwe Odeh

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed concern over a series of violent incidents allegedly carried out by armed groups in parts of the state as preparations intensify for the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Addressing journalists at the Government House in Osogbo on Monday, Adeleke appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and caution supporters of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, against actions that could threaten public peace.

The governor also called on key security officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS), to closely monitor developments in the state to prevent further escalation of tensions.

According to Adeleke, recent incidents of violence in communities such as Ile-Ife, Osogbo, and Ede have heightened anxiety among residents. He alleged that individuals linked to the opposition were responsible for disturbances that have disrupted normal activities in those areas.

Meanwhile, the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council has rejected the governor’s claims and accused the ruling administration of attempting to shift attention from its own shortcomings. The council maintained that supporters of its candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, have also been victims of politically motivated attacks.

In response to growing security concerns, the Osun State Police Command directed all political parties and their supporters to suspend rallies, campaigns, and other political gatherings within Oriade Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson DSP Abiodun Ojelabi said the decision followed intelligence reports indicating potential threats to public safety. He explained that previous efforts by security agencies to broker peace among political stakeholders had failed to produce the desired outcome.

The command urged residents to remain calm, obey the law, and cooperate with security personnel as authorities work to maintain order.

Also reacting to allegations from the opposition, Adeleke’s re-election campaign spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, dismissed claims concerning the governor’s use of security votes and state security structures, describing the accusations as unfounded and politically motivated.

By Rukevwe Odeh

Addressing a press conference on Monday, the Spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Amb. Binebai Princewill, expressed concern that delays by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in implementing its field report and proposal on the Warri Federal Constituency delineation exercise were fueling avoidable tension in the area.

Princewill stated that the matter was straightforward, stressing that the Ijaw and Urhobo people were only demanding that INEC implement its delineation proposal in line with a Supreme Court judgment. He dismissed what he described as “misleading narratives” from some Itsekiri groups, insisting that the focus should remain on compliance with the court’s decision.

He warned that INEC’s continued delay in executing the report was raising questions about the commission’s commitment to the rule of law and could affect public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, Nigerians expect the electoral body to fully obey judicial pronouncements without selective implementation.

Princewill also maintained that Warri is jointly inhabited by the Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities, rejecting attempts to distort historical realities. He emphasized that while the Ijaw community respects the rights of others to speak, it would not accept what he termed false historical claims.

Reacting to recent tensions and alleged threats from some Itsekiri groups, the IYC spokesperson urged restraint and reiterated the council’s commitment to peace in Warri, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria as a whole. He cautioned against provocative slogans and statements, while reaffirming that the Ijaw people would continue to pursue their demands through lawful means.

He further called on Ijaw youths to remain calm, law-abiding, and focused despite provocation, stressing that distractions and diversionary tactics should be ignored. The council, he said, would remain committed to peaceful advocacy for the implementation of the delineation report.

Concluding, Princewill urged INEC to act without further delay, warning that continued inaction would only heighten tensions and raise concerns about fairness, justice, and adherence to the rule of law.

By Rukevwe Odeh

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has convened a high-level meeting involving representatives of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic nationalities in a bid to ease tensions arising from the ongoing ward delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency.

The meeting, held at the Government House in Asaba, brought together community leaders, security officials, and senior government functionaries to discuss concerns surrounding the electoral boundary review and to promote peaceful coexistence among the affected groups.

Addressing the stakeholders, the governor emphasized the need for dialogue and mutual understanding, warning against individuals and groups seeking to exploit the situation to create unrest. He stressed that Delta State’s progress depends on peace and stability, urging all parties to reject actions capable of inciting conflict.

Oborevwori reiterated that differences arising from the delineation process should be resolved through lawful and peaceful means, noting that the various ethnic groups in Warri share longstanding ties and common interests. He expressed confidence that constructive engagement would prevent any breakdown of law and order in the area.

Leaders from the three ethnic nationalities reportedly welcomed the governor’s intervention and pledged to maintain peace. Representatives of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo communities assured the government of their commitment to dialogue and urged their supporters to remain calm while relevant issues are addressed through appropriate channels.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment by all stakeholders to sustain peace, avoid provocative actions, and continue discussions aimed at preserving harmony across the Warri Federal Constituency amid debates over the ward delineation exercise.