Violence erupted in Boripe LGA, Osun state, on Monday as supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clashed over the reinstatement of sacked local government chairmen.
Gunmen reportedly shot two people dead during the altercation.
The crisis stemmed from a court ruling that reinstated the APC chairmen who were previously removed from office.
Tensions flared as rival supporters took to the streets, with a video shared by TVC showing APC members celebrating their return to power and vowing to reclaim control of the council.
Osun state police spokesperson Yemisi Opalola told newsmen that she had yet to be briefed on the shooting incident. “I have not heard that; let me make an inquiry,” she said.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier warned of an alleged plot by opposition elements to attack local government secretariats across the state. His spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, claimed that these attacks were meant to create chaos ahead of the upcoming local government elections and push for a state of emergency.
At a press conference on Sunday, Adeleke accused Adegboyega Oyetola, the minister of marine and blue economy, of masterminding the crisis. He alleged that Oyetola was using law enforcement agencies, including the police and Department of State Services (DSS), to destabilize the state.
The governor called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and rein in Oyetola, whom he referred to as Tinubu’s nephew.
Adeleke warned that if the minister was not stopped, the people would take matters into their own hands to defend themselves.
