Some concerned stakeholders and progressives under the aegis of, Fadahunsi Grassroots Movement (FGM) has condemned the alleged sponsored protest against the Senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi.
Read full text of the conference
Good day, gentlemen of the press, distinguished stakeholders, and the good people of Osun East and Osun State.
We address you today as concerned stakeholders and progressives who are deeply committed to the peace, stability, and development of Osun State, particularly the entire Ife/Ijesa land.
Yesterday, we witnessed a protest against Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District in the Red Chamber. While we recognise the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly and the legitimate expectation that elected representatives should remain accountable to their constituents, we are concerned about the circumstances surrounding the protest, the messages being conveyed, and the identities of some of those mobilised to lead and participate.
We are particularly concerned that some of the individuals involved are people who have, at various times, shared political interests with Senator Fadahunsi and may have benefited directly or indirectly from his representation and goodwill.
POST-ELECTION ATTACKS AND THE NEED FOR RESTRAINT
The Osun State Governorship Election has come and gone. Whatever differences may exist among political parties and individuals, the peace and security of our people must now take precedence over political interests.
It is therefore disturbing that, following the declaration of Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke as the winner of the governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), there have been reports of attacks and acts of violence involving political actors and supporters across parts of the state, including concerns raised within Osun East.
As stakeholders in Osun State and progressives who believe in the Osun project, we strongly condemn every action capable of threatening the peace, security, and stability of our communities. We are talking about the entire Ife/Ijesa land — a land whose people have coexisted for generations and whose future must not be sacrificed on the altar of political disagreements.
THE ELECTION IS OVER — OSUN MUST MOVE FORWARD
The governorship election is over. Governor Ademola Adeleke has publicly expressed his willingness to work with stakeholders and other relevant actors in the interest of peace and development. We therefore believe that every responsible citizen and political stakeholder should support efforts toward reconciliation, dialogue, and the rebuilding of trust.
It is worthy of note that the APC candidate and runner-up in the last election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), congratulated Senator Ademola Adeleke on his victory and called for peace. We also note that Senator Francis Fadahunsi has also graciously congratulated the Governor and consistently advocated peace and responsible political engagement. Against this background, any activity capable of reopening political wounds, escalating tension, or threatening peaceful coexistence should be discouraged.
ON THE PROTEST AGAINST SENATOR FADAHUNSI
We consider yesterday’s protest unfortunate, particularly given the prevailing need for calm and reconciliation in Osun East. If there are genuine grievances against Senator Fadahunsi, there are legitimate and peaceful channels through which such concerns can be communicated and addressed. Political disagreement is not a crime. Neither is changing political affiliation.
The central question raised by yesterday’s development appears to be whether Senator Fadahunsi has committed an offence simply by making a political decision to leave a political party. We ask: When did leaving one political party for another become a crime in a democracy? Political history is filled with politicians who have changed political parties for different reasons. Even Governor Ademola Adeleke, like many prominent Nigerian politicians, has moved from one political platform to another. Therefore, no individual should be demonised merely because of a change in political affiliation.
SENATOR FADAHUNSI’S RECORD
We also challenge those attempting to reduce Senator Fadahunsi’s political career to political propaganda to a public debate on the characters, activities, records, and antecedents of the leading senatorial candidates and political actors in Osun East. Let the records speak.
Senator Francis Fadahunsi is not a politician whose contributions to society began with the use of cameras or political publicity. His record of public service predates his entry into partisan politics, and his activities as a senator are available for public scrutiny.
We believe that the people of Osun East deserve issue-based engagement — not sponsored narratives, character assassination, or attempts to create unnecessary division among our people.
NO POLITICAL AMBITION IS WORTH A HUMAN LIFE
We strongly condemn the reported post-election attacks and acts of violence against political actors and citizens. The people of Osun East are still recovering from the tension, injuries, and unfortunate loss of lives associated with the just-concluded election. We cannot afford another cycle of politically motivated violence.
We therefore call on all political parties, supporters, youth groups, community leaders, students and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and refrain from actions capable of provoking violence.
OUR CALL TO THE AUTHORITIES
We call on the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to use his office and influence to promote peace, reconciliation, and responsible political engagement across the state.
We also call on the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adewale Haastrup, and other traditional, religious, community, and political leaders to continue to caution individuals, groups, and political organisations whose activities may threaten peace and public order.
We equally call on the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, to thoroughly investigate reports of post-election attacks across the state, identify those responsible, and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law. Justice must be pursued without political favour or prejudice.
OUR APPEAL FOR PEACE
Finally, we appeal to those behind the sponsored protest, those who were mobilized to participate in it, and all individuals who may have grievances against Senator Fadahunsi — especially those in other political parties supporting Senator Fadahunsi’s opponent — to embrace dialogue and peaceful engagement, and to be more concerned about selling their candidate instead of causing havoc through protests or whatever else.
Furthermore, it will interest the public to note that those who led the unfortunate protest are beneficiaries of Senator Fadahunsi’s goodwill, until selfish interests tore them apart.
Also, many of those involved in political activities today in Osun have, at one time or another, shared political interests and relationships, and even benefited from one another’s support and representation. Political differences should not erase years of relationships, service, and shared interests.
Senator Fadahunsi has made himself available for communication and dialogue with his constituents. We therefore encourage everyone with genuine concerns to make use of peaceful and established channels of communication rather than resorting to confrontation or actions capable of destabilising our communities.
The time for politicking is not the time for violence. The election is over. The time to heal, unite, reconcile, and rebuild Osun East has begun.
God bless Osun East.
God bless Osun State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Cde Awowole Samuel (Awo Sam)
DG- Sen. Fadahunsi Grassroots Movement (FGM)
Cde Oluwole Hamzat
General Secretary
Fadahunsi Grassroots Movement
Cde.Akindele Ayodele
P.R.O.
Fadahunsi Grassroots Movement
Cde Aboke Oluwole(O’ Destiny)
President, New Mandate Movement
