Osun Election Violence Incitement by Lawmaker: Senator Oriolowo's Remarks Spark Concerns

• Then-Senator Adelere Oriolowo from the All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly called on his supporters to kill members of the Accord Party in Osun State ahead of the July 16, 2022, governorship election.
• The remarks were made in a video shared by Afrobeat singer Davido and raised concerns over political violence and intimidation.
• The alleged comments came amid repeated appeals for supporters to shun violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
• Lawyers advising clients in the Accord Party or involved in the Osun election should have been aware of the heightened risk of political violence and intimidation.

According to the translation provided by Davido, the Senator said that whenever his supporters see members of the Accord Party, they should 'kill them.'

A controversy erupted in Osun State ahead of the July 16, 2022, governorship election after then-Senator Adelere Oriolowo allegedly called on his supporters to kill members of the Accord Party. The Senator, who was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the time, made the remarks in a video shared by Afrobeat singer Davido. According to the translation provided by Davido, the Senator said that whenever his supporters see members of the Accord Party, they should 'kill them.' He also authorized his supporters to kill Accord Party members, stating that even if they come with voter cards on election day, they won't be allowed to vote.

The alleged comments by the Senator raised concerns over political violence and intimidation in Osun State. The remarks came amid repeated appeals by security agencies, political parties, and election stakeholders for supporters to shun violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process. In Nigeria, where the election took place, there are strict laws against incitement to violence and intimidation during elections. The Electoral Act 2022 and the Criminal Code Act 2004 provide for severe penalties for anyone who engages in or promotes violence during elections.

The alleged comments by the Senator had significant implications for the 2022 election in Osun State. The remarks could heighten tensions and lead to increased violence, which would undermine the integrity of the electoral process. Lawyers advising clients in the Accord Party or involved in the Osun election should have been aware of the heightened risk of political violence and intimidation and advised their clients on how to mitigate these risks and ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Lawyers advising clients in the Accord Party or involved in the Osun election should be aware of the heightened risk of political violence and intimidation, and advise their clients on how to mitigate these risks and ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers