The widow of an Accord Party member allegedly killed by gunmen in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, has recounted the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death, alleging that he was shot in her presence by assailants linked to local political violence.
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The deceased, Aderogba Ajayi, an indigene of Esa-Oke and member of the Accord Party, was reportedly killed on Tuesday night by suspected thugs.
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Speaking during a condolence visit by Governor Ademola Adeleke to the family on Wednesday, Mrs. Tolulope Aderogba described how the incident unfolded and called for justice for her late husband.
According to her, she was with her husband when a man identified as Oladapo arrived on a motorcycle and asked him to accompany him to meet another individual identified as Omoaje.
She said her husband declined, insisting that Omoaje could call him directly if he wanted to see him.
Mrs. Aderogba alleged that Oladapo repeatedly pressed her husband to follow him and also asked whether he planned to attend a meeting with politician Wole Oke the next day, an invitation he likewise refused.
She said that despite repeated pleas from her and one of their daughters for him to leave, her husband continued speaking with Oladapo.
According to her, a vehicle later arrived carrying several people, while two men got down and moved toward the area where her husband was standing.
She alleged that one of the men fired at her husband twice but missed, before another round of gunshots was fired and he collapsed.
“I tried every effort to carry him, but his weight was too much for me. We later got help and rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead,” she said.
The widow appealed to Governor Adeleke to ensure justice for her husband and provide support for their four children.
In response, Governor Adeleke assured the family that his administration would support the children’s education and work to ensure justice is served.
The governor also directed the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing, especially since specific individuals had been mentioned in connection with the incident.
Adeleke further urged political stakeholders in the state to shun violence and promote peaceful political engagement ahead of future elections.
He stressed the need for security agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring anyone found culpable to justice.
The killing has sparked concern in Esa-Oke and nearby communities, with residents calling for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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