Mogaji Wole Arisekola, an Ibadan community leader, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the rising political tension in Oyo State, warning that failure to address reported attacks on political supporters could threaten the state’s peace ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Arisekola made the appeal in an open letter to the President, expressing concern over what he described as growing hostility among political actors and alleged attacks on supporters of opposition parties.
He urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to investigate the reported incidents, identify anyone found culpable and take preventive measures to stop political disagreements from escalating into widespread violence.
In the letter, titled “SOS to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Save Oyo State Before It Slides into Chaos,” the Ibadan traditional titleholder recalled the bitter political rivalry between the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) during the Second Republic.
According to him, the violence associated with that period should serve as a warning to political leaders against allowing partisan interests to undermine public safety.
“We must never allow that terrible history to repeat itself,” Arisekola said, stressing that political disagreements must not be allowed to endanger innocent citizens or turn communities into battlegrounds.
Arisekola faults response to reported attack on APC campaign team
The community leader cited a reported attack on the wife of an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate and members of her campaign team during grassroots mobilisation in Oyo State.
He alleged that properties were destroyed during the incident and expressed concern over Governor Seyi Makinde’s reported description of the matter as a dispute involving aggrieved APC supporters.
Arisekola argued that even if the incident arose from an internal party disagreement, it should not diminish the seriousness of the alleged violence or the need for a proper investigation.
He maintained that every resident of Oyo State deserved protection, irrespective of political affiliation, insisting that opposition members should not be treated differently when their lives or property are threatened.
The Ibadan leader urged Makinde to publicly condemn political violence and demonstrate that his administration would not tolerate intimidation or destruction of property by any group.
While acknowledging that operational control of the Nigeria Police Force rests largely with federal authorities, he said the governor had an important responsibility to promote peace and protect residents through lawful coordination with relevant security agencies.
“A governor must behave like a father to all his children, including those who disagree with him politically,” he said.
Accord Party incident raises fresh concerns
Arisekola also referred to another reported incident involving supporters of the Accord Party, who were allegedly attacked by unidentified assailants, leaving several people injured.
He noted that the party’s leadership had accused individuals associated with the ruling political camp of involvement in the incident, but stressed that such claims required independent investigation rather than assumptions of guilt.
According to him, neither political affiliation nor proximity to those in power should determine whether an individual is investigated or held accountable.
He warned that political violence often develops gradually, beginning with threats and intimidation before escalating to property destruction, physical injuries and, in the worst cases, loss of lives.
Arisekola cautioned that ordinary citizens, particularly young people from less privileged backgrounds, often bear the greatest consequences of political conflicts, while influential politicians may eventually settle their differences.
He therefore called on political leaders to discourage the recruitment, financing or arming of young people for violent activities.
1983 political crisis remains a warning
Reflecting on Oyo State’s political history, Arisekola recalled the intense rivalry surrounding the disputed 1983 governorship election, in which Chief Victor Omololu Olunloyo of the NPN defeated the incumbent governor, Chief Bola Ige of the UPN.
He said the bitter political atmosphere of that era should remind present-day leaders of the dangers of allowing electoral competition to degenerate into violence.
More than four decades later, he argued, Oyo State should be strengthening democratic participation and peaceful political engagement rather than risking a return to the divisions associated with earlier political struggles.
Arisekola also appealed to political leaders to place the unity of Ibadanland and the welfare of its residents above party loyalty.
He noted that residents belonged to different political parties, including the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Accord and Allied Peoples Movement (APM), but shared a common heritage that should not be sacrificed for electoral ambitions.
“No governorship ambition is worth the blood of an innocent citizen,” he said, adding that no political party should be considered more important than human life.
Tinubu urged to direct security agencies to act
Arisekola specifically appealed to President Tinubu to direct the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies to investigate the reported attacks and take lawful steps to prevent further incidents.
He also called on the Department of State Services to pay attention to credible intelligence concerning any alleged recruitment, financing or arming of young people for political violence.
The community leader said authorities should act before the situation deteriorates, rather than waiting for serious casualties before responding with investigations and public assurances.
“Prevention is better than mourning,” he said, urging security agencies to demonstrate impartiality in handling allegations involving political figures and their supporters.
He emphasised that anyone found to have sponsored, organised or participated in political violence should face the law, regardless of political affiliation, financial status or influence.
Political parties urged to caution supporters
Beyond the appeal to the President and security agencies, Arisekola called on the leadership of the APC, PDP, Accord, APM and other political parties to caution their members against actions capable of threatening public peace.
He said democratic competition should allow politicians to campaign, criticise opponents, defend their policies and disagree on public issues without resorting to intimidation or physical attacks.
He further warned that Governor Makinde and other political leaders would be judged not only by their achievements in infrastructure and governance but also by their commitment to protecting lives and maintaining peace.
According to him, political leaders must recognise that their responsibilities extend to residents who do not support their parties or administrations.
Arisekola concluded by urging Tinubu to treat the concerns seriously and ensure that the relevant authorities take appropriate preventive action.
He said his intervention was motivated by his concern for Oyo State and his determination to protect the peace of Ibadanland, warning that political ambitions must never take precedence over the safety and future of ordinary citizens.
He prayed for continued peace in Oyo State and called on political leaders to exercise restraint as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
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