Killings have, in some ways, shaped the political landscape in Osun State, WITHIN NIGERIA gathered. The targeted and purposeful murder of people who are involved in politics has created a culture of fear, impunity, and intimidation, weakening democratic processes in the state.
Although political parties in the state have condemned killings related to politics, and pointed accusing fingers at one another, it is concerning that the number of people targeted or purposefully murdered for participating in politics continues to rise.
Political killing has no doubt been a recurring issue in the state, with numerous unresolved cases hanging over the Nigeria Police. Osun, a reasonably tranquil state, apparently began its rapid ride to political killings borne out of extreme electoral violence in 2006.
More than 100 victims of political killings have been reported in the state, with little or no punishment. A check by WITHIN NIGERIA revealed that no or few arrests or arraignments have been made over political killings. Most occurrences of political killings involve offenders evading arrest or cases dying as a result of poor prosecution, underlining the troubling situation of our criminal justice system in this country.
However, WITHIN NIGERIA examined the political killings that occurred in Osun State and identified some recorded cases of political killings that have yet to be resolved.
2007 Election Violence
At least 12 persons were killed in cold blood while defending their vote boxes from being hijacked by thugs during the 2007 Osun Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections.
According to reports, the killings took place at Ikirun, Igbajo, Ila Orangun, Ile-Ife, Ilesa, and other places across the state.
The killings were also linked to conflicts between supporters of Rauf Aregbesola, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, and Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the PDP candidate.
The murder case remains unresolved.
Rotimi Makinde’s House killings
During the 2011 National Assembly elections, five persons were killed, including a security guard, at the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) House of Representatives candidate’s residence in Ile-Ife.
According to WITHIN NIGERIA, the event occurred on the eve of the rescheduled election on April 9, 2011, when hired thugs purportedly working for a senior politician in the state invaded the house, killing all five people.
Rotimi Makinde, the ACN candidate who subsequently won the election, dedicated his triumph to the victims, regretting the deaths caused by the election’s sudden postponement.
The murder case remains unresolved.
Chief Tony Osanyin’s Murder
Tony Osanyin, a politician from Ijebu-Ijesa, was reportedly shot dead.
WITHIN NIGERIA learned that Osanyin was assassinated in 2007 due to intra-party squabbles over the House of Representatives ticket.
The Nigeria Police arrested several people, including a major politician in the Ijesa North Federal Constituency, but they were later released, and the matter died naturally.
The murder case remains unresolved.
Alhaja Taibat Orija’s Murder
Taibat Orija, a former women leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ede North LG was reportedly killed by unknown gunmen.
The female politician was murdered in cold blood after defecting to All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
The murder case remains unresolved.
Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun’s Relative
Lasisi Gbogboirawo, a relative of Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by thugs affiliated with a political party.
The event, which is thought to be politically motivated, apparently occurred on the same day when APC members met in Ila-Orangun to praise their leader.
As of the time of reporting this story, the Nigeria Police Force has not arrested any suspects in connection with the death.
The murder case remains unresolved.
Alhaji Alabi Hassan-Olajokun
Hassan-Olajokun, a prominent politician and chieftain of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), was assassinated at the Gbongan junction in Osun State in 2005.
Olajokun, a supporter of Tinubu and ally of Rauf Aregbesola was actively involved in installing a progressive government in Osun State before he was killed.
Agbo Obadare
Agbo Obadare, a 72-year-old former PDP chairman reportedly died during a violent clash between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
According to reports, the former PDP chairman died from head injuries sustained during an attack, reportedly over political differences related to a local government council takeover.
The murder case remains unresolved.
Richard Idowu Adeoriokin
Richard Idowu, a US-based Nigerian scholar and politician reportedly died on January 27, 2024.
The late professor, was reportedly shot dead while attending the 50th coronation celebration of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode.
The event occurred when a local security guard, Hammed Jelili, was directed to fire firearms into the air as a farewell gesture, but accidentally wounded Adeoriokin in the leg, resulting in death.
Nigerian police detained several people, including an Ejigbo royal prince.
The murder case remains unresolved.
Adeboye Ademoroti’s Murder
Adeboye Ademoroti, chairman of NURTW Unit 4 in Ilesa was reportedly dead on November 24, 2025 by unknown gunmen.
According to reports, the deceased was attacked at the Olomilagbala Area of Ilesa, along with another person who survived.
Ademoroti, better known as Germani, was pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.
No arrest has been made by the Nigeria Police. The murder case remains unresolved.
Remi Abass’ Murder
Remi Abass, an All Progressives Congress chieftain and one of the 2022 Yes or No APC chairman, was reportedly shot dead by gunmen on February 17, 2025, in the local government secretariat in Ikire.
According to reports, the terrible occurrence occurred during a conflict between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for control of the council.
Abass died while attempting to take over the secretariat with other APC members, allegedly in accordance with the court decision.
Despite multiple arrests and four people being arraigned in court, the case remains unresolved.
Kazeem Oyewole’s Murder
Kazeem Oyewole, a former unit chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) was reportedly killed on January 12, 2026 by suspected hoodlums in Osogbo.
The police have launched an investigation into the matter. However, the perpetrators have not been arrested.
The murder case remains unresolved.
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