Osun Poll: APC Accuses Adeleke Administration of Shielding Murder Suspect
The Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration of protecting alleged criminals for political gain ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the council claimed that a suspected murderer, Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Abbey Ashipa,” was arrested by security operatives at the residence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye.
The APC’s Media Head, Oluremi Omowaiye, alleged that Governor Adeleke was making efforts to secure the suspect’s release.
According to him, Arowomole had been on the police wanted list for nearly four years and is linked to the killings of about 20 people, many of whom were APC members.
Among the victims listed by the party were Sheriff Oyewale, Muraina Olayiwola, popularly known as “Montanna,” and Kazeem Oyebamiji, also known as “Mosquito.”
The APC further alleged that the suspect participated in a church attack in Egbatedo in June 2024, which reportedly claimed one life and led to the recovery of eight pump-action guns by the police.
Omowaiye described the alleged harbouring of the suspect as a serious attack on the rule of law and called for the immediate dismissal of the SSG.
He also urged Governor Adeleke to cooperate with law enforcement agencies instead of interfering with ongoing investigations.
The Director-General of the Osun Central Campaign Council, Prince Adebayo Adeleke, said the arrest reinforced claims that the state government was providing protection for suspected criminals.
He questioned the recent release of some suspects facing criminal trials, asking the governor, the Chief Judge and the Attorney General of the state to explain the basis for those decisions.
“Why release people still standing trial just weeks before the election?” he asked, adding that governors should exercise the prerogative of mercy responsibly and with public safety in mind.
Former Commissioner for Information and co-chair of the APC media campaign council, Funke Egbemode, also criticised the state government, describing the situation as embarrassing.
She alleged that the increasing violence in Osun politics was intended to intimidate voters and discourage participation in the governorship election.
The APC’s allegations come after the family of the late Sheriff Oyewale appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to ensure that Arowomole is prosecuted and prevented from escaping justice.
The family said Sheriff, an APC supporter based in Warri, Delta State, was killed in Osogbo in November 2022 after travelling to the state. They alleged he was attacked in broad daylight because of his political affiliation.
