The tragic death of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade in Ilobu, Osun State, has ignited a fierce political backlash between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Imole Campaign Council, with both sides accusing each other of exploiting the incident for political gain ahead of the upcoming governorship election. The shooting occurred on Sunday near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat, leaving Ezekiel dead and another person injured. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and intensified existing political tensions in the state.
The APC, through its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke’s visit to the grieving family, alleging that the governor turned a solemn moment of mourning into a political campaign event. Olabisi stated that the governor should have limited his remarks to expressions of sympathy, rather than making comments that the party viewed as politically motivated. He further argued that it was inappropriate for the state’s chief executive to assign blame to the opposition party before the police investigation had concluded.
According to Olabisi, the governor’s actions “could be likened to the state chief executive doing the wrong thing at the wrong time and wrong place.” He emphasized that bypassing law enforcement to name the opposition as responsible undermined the integrity of the investigation and set a dangerous precedent. The APC also pointed to contradictions in the governor’s stance, noting that while he called for a police probe, he simultaneously expressed views on who was responsible for the attack.
In response, the Imole Campaign Council dismissed the APC’s accusations, accusing the opposition of attempting to politicize the death of an innocent teenager. Spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi expressed deep concern over the rising tide of political violence in Osun State and urged all stakeholders to prioritize peace over partisan interests. He stressed that the loss of innocent lives should bring political actors together, not drive them further apart.
Olajengbesi called on security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police, to ensure impartial protection for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. He warned against selective enforcement of the law and emphasized that democracy must be built on persuasion and public support, not coercion or violence. “Democracy demands persuasion, not coercion,” he said, urging political parties to compete on ideas, policies, and performance.
The father of the deceased, Gbenga Olapade, claimed his son was shot while trying to protect his mother during the attack. He alleged that armed men opened fire near a palm wine bar owned by his wife, and that security personnel present at the scene failed to intervene as the attackers arrived. The incident has raised serious questions about security and accountability in the region.
As Osun State prepares for the governorship election, this tragedy underscores the urgent need for political restraint and public safety. The fate of Ezekiel Olapade serves as a stark reminder that democracy must not be built on the blood of innocent citizens.
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