By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has condemned the fatal shooting at the Naira and Kobo motor park in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, demanding the immediate investigation, dismissal and prosecution of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Irewole Division. .
It alleged that the DPO opened fire on unarmed civilians during the incident on Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of two persons, including a commercial bus driver identified as Saheed Akinrole and an innocent passenger.
In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, the party alleged that there was no conflict or crisis at the motor park when the shooting occurred.
According to the statement, normal commercial activities were ongoing at the park before the alleged shooting, which the party described as “an absolute disgrace to the Nigeria Police Force.”
Accord alleged that the DPO acted in an unprofessional and unprovoked manner, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the deaths required an immediate and impartial investigation.
The party further alleged that the incident was part of what it described as a pattern of conduct by the police officer in Irewole Local Government before and during the 2026 Osun governorship election.
Akande claimed that despite alleged incidents of violence in Ikire before the election, the DPO failed to arrest suspected perpetrators and allegedly provided protection for partisan elements.
The party said the continued presence of the police officer in the area posed what it described as “an immediate and dangerous threat to public safety” in Irewole Local Government.
Accord consequently called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Osun State Police Command and the Police Service Commission to take immediate action over the allegations.
The party specifically demanded the arrest, psychological evaluation, dismissal and criminal prosecution of Olatona if found culpable after investigation.
“He must be investigated thoroughly and brought to book to face the full weight of the law for murder and abuse of office,” Akande stated.
The latest allegation comes amid conflicting accounts surrounding the Ikire violence, with different groups giving varying casualty figures and explanations of how the incident occurred.
While Accord claimed that two persons were killed, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance had earlier alleged that five people died in the incident.
The Osun APC Media Cluster also gave a different account, alleging that suspected political thugs attacked residents and assaulted police officers during an attempt to take control of the motor park.
The APC further alleged that police officers were attacked and that service rifles were reportedly seized during the confrontation.
The competing accounts have heightened calls for an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence, determine the actual casualty figures and establish whether any security personnel or political actors were involved.
Accord’s latest demand also adds pressure on the police authorities to publicly clarify the role played by the Irewole DPO and provide an official account of the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain the reaction of the Osun State Police Command to the allegations against the DPO had yet to yield a response.
The incident has further heightened tension in Ikire, coming barely days after the August 15 governorship election and amid continuing political disagreements and allegations of post-election violence in parts of Osun State.
Security agencies are expected to establish the facts surrounding the shooting and take appropriate action against anyone found culpable.:::
