By George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate suspension and arrest of Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi over alleged inciting remarks reportedly made during a political gathering in Ilesa, Osun State, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The Commission’s position followed the emergence of a video in which Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, was allegedly heard making statements interpreted as a call for violence against members and supporters of the Accord Party in Ilesa.
The development has heightened concerns over the safety of residents and political actors in the state as political parties intensify their campaigns and mobilisation ahead of the governorship poll.
The NHRC, in its reaction to the development, reportedly described the alleged comments as capable of inciting violence and threatening the fundamental rights of citizens, particularly the right to life and personal security. It consequently called on the relevant authorities to take immediate action against the senator and prevent the alleged incitement from escalating into violence.
The Commission’s intervention comes against the backdrop of increasing political tension in Osun, where the August 15 election is expected to be keenly contested by the major political parties.
The controversy surrounding Fadahunsi’s alleged remarks was triggered by a video circulated on social media in which the senator was speaking to supporters in Yoruba. His comments were interpreted as directing APC supporters to deal violently with members of the Accord Party who might be found in Ilesa ahead of the election.
The alleged statement has attracted particular concern because it came shortly after violence in Ilesa in which three persons were reportedly killed, although the circumstances surrounding the incident have generated conflicting accounts.
While political sources have linked the incident to clashes involving supporters of rival political interests, the Osun State Police Command has reportedly described it as a cult-related clash involving suspected members of the Aiye and Eiye groups.
The police subsequently moved to strengthen security in Ilesa and adjoining communities in an effort to prevent reprisals and contain further violence.
Fadahunsi, however, has rejected the interpretation placed on his statement, insisting that he was not calling for the physical killing of anybody.
The senator explained that his reference to “killing” was used figuratively in the context of defeating the Accord Party politically at the polls, rather than an instruction to attack or eliminate its members.
He maintained that he had never advocated violence against political opponents and insisted that the election should be fought and won through votes rather than physical confrontation.
The senator also urged political actors and their supporters to maintain peace and allow eligible voters to exercise their franchise without intimidation.
The controversy nevertheless persisted, with the police reportedly summoning Fadahunsi for questioning over the alleged threat against Accord Party members.
The NHRC’s demand for action against the senator adds another dimension to the matter, coming from an institution whose mandate includes the promotion and protection of human rights and the prevention of violations of citizens’ fundamental freedoms.
The Commission’s intervention also reflects the broader concern over the language being used by political actors in the build-up to the Osun election, particularly given the history of political violence associated with some elections in the country.
The August 15 poll is being closely watched as the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke seeks another term, while the All Progressives Congress and other opposition parties are campaigning to take control of the state.
Fadahunsi has himself been a prominent figure in political and security-related controversies in Osun. In October 2025, he was involved in the controversy surrounding the sealing of operational offices of the Osun Amotekun Corps after deadly incidents in Akinlalu. At the time, he said he had invited the police to investigate the activities of the security outfit, alleging that several people in his senatorial district had been killed by its operatives.
The senator had then strongly defended his action, saying he could not remain silent while people in his constituency were being killed. He accused the Amotekun outfit of abandoning its responsibility to protect residents and becoming a source of insecurity, allegations which were disputed by the Osun State House of Assembly and other authorities.
The latest controversy therefore places Fadahunsi at the centre of another security-related dispute as the state approaches a major electoral contest.
The NHRC’s call for his suspension and arrest is expected to put further pressure on the security agencies and the National Assembly to examine the alleged remarks and determine whether they amounted to incitement or a breach of any relevant law.
With the election only days away, attention is now focused on the ability of the authorities to prevent inflammatory statements, political clashes and reprisals, while ensuring that all parties and their supporters are allowed to participate in the electoral process without fear.
The development also reinforces calls by stakeholders for political leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements and discourage supporters from taking the law into their own hands, particularly in communities where tensions are already high.
