By John Dike, Osogbo
Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has apologised for the tension generated by remarks attributed to him during the build-up to the August 15 governorship election in the state.
Fadahunsi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had in a trending video made remarks interpreted as a threat to kill members of the Accord Party, sparking reactions from civil society organisations, political actors and Nigerians across party lines.
The comments, which were reportedly made during a visit to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, generated controversy and heightened concerns about the possible escalation of political tension ahead of the election.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, Fadahunsi apologised for the tension arising from his remarks, explaining that his visit to the palace was primarily to seek justice and express his pain over the killing of some members of his political party.
The senator said he was deeply affected by the deaths and spoke out of emotion at a difficult moment, insisting that he never intended his words to constitute a call for violence or chaos.
According to him, it was painful that his emotional appeal was subsequently presented by critics as an endorsement of violence.
Fadahunsi, however, acknowledged the consequences of his remarks and expressed regret over the tension they generated, stressing that the peace and stability of Osun State and Ijesaland were more important than any political disagreement.
“Because the peace of Osun State and Ijesaland in particular is far more important than any political dispute, victory, or defeat, I sincerely apologise for the tension that resulted from this misunderstanding,” he said.
The lawmaker also commended the Owa of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, for the manner in which he handled the controversy.
Fadahunsi described the monarch’s response as calm, balanced and fatherly, saying the traditional ruler demonstrated wisdom by refusing to allow the situation to escalate despite the controversy surrounding his remarks.
He described the Owa as a father to all residents of Ijesaland, irrespective of political affiliation, adding that the monarch’s calm response helped prevent the situation from degenerating further.
The senator said political leaders must learn to place the interests and safety of the people above personal emotions and partisan differences.
He called on his supporters, members of other political parties and residents across Osun State to embrace peace and contribute to efforts aimed at healing the divisions created during the electioneering period.
Fadahunsi also urged politicians and citizens to respect the traditional institution and recognise its role in promoting peace, unity and stability in Ijesaland.
Despite his apology, the senator maintained that his demand for justice over the deaths of his party members remained unchanged.
He called on the Osun State Government and relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the killings and ensure that anyone found responsible was brought to justice through due process.
Fadahunsi stressed that justice must be pursued through lawful and peaceful means, warning against actions capable of further inflaming political tension in the state.
He urged all political actors to put partisan differences aside and work towards rebuilding trust and restoring peace among residents.
The senator’s apology comes amid renewed calls by political leaders and other stakeholders for reconciliation following the conclusion of the Osun governorship election.
The election was won by Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, who defeated the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in the keenly contested poll.
The election was followed by allegations and counter-allegations over political violence and attacks in parts of the state, with political parties accusing one another of involvement in acts of intimidation and violence.
Fadahunsi said the loss of lives during the electoral process should serve as a warning to political leaders that no political contest was worth sacrificing the lives and security of citizens.
He appealed to his supporters and other residents to remain calm while security agencies investigate the reported incidents.
The senator reiterated that his commitment to seeking justice for the victims would continue, but insisted that the pursuit of justice must not become a source of further violence.
He said the immediate priority should be to restore peace, protect lives and property and ensure that Osun State moves beyond the political tensions that characterised the election period.
