Court-reinstated chairman of Ilesa West Central Council in Osun State, Mr. Tobiloba Famurewa, has denied involvement in the crises that led to deaths in the area, saying some leaders of Peoples Democratic Party were behind the mayhem.
Famurewa who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun and the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abba, to investigate recurring crises in the area with a view to identifying and prosecuting the culprits.
But the PDP spokesman in the state, Mr Oladele Bamiji, who welcomed investigation into the political crises in the area, dismissed allegation against the party by the local government boss.
Narrating further his ordeal in the hands of those fueling unrest in the area, Famurewa said there were attempt to assassinate him on two occasions, calling for end to violence in the interest of development.
“On 5th and 17th of February, 2025, live cartridges were fired at my convoy by these state actors and their thugs aiming to assassinate me. I have proofs to back up my claims.
“I am not responsible for any killing in Ilesa, they are only trying to dent my image. I have always said no contest is worth human lives and as someone who has lived over a decade in the United States, I do not only observe the politics there, but take cues from how it is practiced.
“I have always believed that political contest should be in the interest of the masses and manisfesto based. So I have not and will never involve myself in politics of hatred.
“They in the PDP are the ones who are intimidated by my profile and movement and want to try all within their powers to silence me. They attempted to kill me twice, and I escaped. My life, that of my family and my followers are no longer safe, that’s why I am calling on the Inspector General of Police and the Osun Commissioner of Police to wade into the matter,” he said.
Reacting to Famurewa’s claims, Bamiji said PDP will not in any way engage in anything that will endanger the life of anyone in the state.
He said, “Thank God he has asked the security agencies to investigate the matter, that is what we are also expecting. We believe so strongly that if and when the police authorities are ready to do their job, Famurewa in Ilesa will surely be before the law court.
“I hope the authorities will look into it and fish out the perpetrators, some people are trying to play on the intelligence of the people of the state. But we know those who are behind violence in Ilesa, they should be behind bars helping the police in further investigations as we speak.”
