RE: BASELESS ALLEGATIONS BY OSUN APC AGAINST HON. FADIPE IBUKUN ISHOLA (IBK)

RE: BASELESS ALLEGATIONS BY OSUN APC AGAINST HON. FADIPE IBUKUN ISHOLA (IBK)

The attention of the good people of Osun State and the wider Nigerian public has been drawn to a reckless, malicious, and highly inflammatory statement issued by the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), through its Media Director, Kola Olabisi, against the Executive Chairman of Osun State Universal Basic Education Board, Fadipe Ibukun Ishola.

Ordinarily, such a hollow and propaganda-driven statement laden with falsehood, distortion, and deliberate mischief would not deserve a response. However, in the interest of truth, justice, and the preservation of peace in Ijesa-land and Osun State at large, it has become necessary to set the record straight.

Hon. Fadipe Ibukun Ishola (IBK) is, without contradiction, a man of peace. Across Ijesa-land and beyond, he is widely respected as a refined administrator, a bridge-builder, and a leader committed to youth empowerment, grassroots development, and social stability. At no point has he orchestrated, sponsored, or encouraged violence. The desperate attempt by the APC to associate IBK with violence is not only baseless but a failed smear campaign aimed at discrediting a man whose political momentum continues to unsettle the opposition.
It is evident that the outburst by Kola Olabisi and his cohorts is driven by panic, panic over IBK’s rising popularity, deep grassroots acceptance, and growing political influence across the Ife-Ijesa Senatorial District. IBK represents hope, development, and people-oriented leadership. This growing acceptance has become a source of discomfort and indeed a political nightmare for the Osun APC, whose relevance continues to decline in the face of reality.

Contrary to the falsehood being peddled, IBK’s recent empowerment programme was transparent, structured, and impactful. Beneficiaries, many of whom are spare parts dealers and small-scale entrepreneurs, have openly come forward in videos and public statements to debunk APC’s lies. They affirmed that the financial support received was strictly to boost their legitimate businesses and improve their livelihoods not to sponsor violence. This initiative stands as a testament to IBK’s unwavering commitment to economic empowerment and poverty reduction.

While the APC attempts to play the victim, the people of Osun State are not forgetful. On February 17, 2025, during a violent political episode in Ilesa West, two prominent PDP stakeholders, Hon. Adebayo Kasali and Ismaila Ibrahim Éjelonlo were gruesomely murdered. Credible eyewitness accounts and available evidence pointed to the involvement of APC-linked thugs allegedly led by Remi Omowaiye and Tobi Famurawa. These attacks left several others seriously injured.

Disturbingly, individuals identified in connection with these acts including notorious names such as Ajibola Kole, Sodiq, Rude Boy, Boyo, Temileyin Alakara, Tope Ajuwe, Raphael, Drey, Anibon Majale, Jackson, Solebo, Emi-Oga, and Ojo Gbógì, among others continue to move freely, despite weighty allegations and public knowledge of their activities. This raises serious concerns about impunity and selective justice.

More recently, between Monday 22nd and Wednesday 24th March 2026, coordinated attacks were again unleashed on leaders and members of the Accord Party in Ilesa West. Victims including Hon. Wahab Arewa, Prince Famoriyo Oluwaseun Adeloye (Sabalo), Hon. Esho Adebowale , Engr Suara Rafiu Akanni and Comrade Akinade Abiodun, and Comrade Busuyi Adeleye sustained serious injuries. Throughout these incidents, IBK was neither present nor connected directly or indirectly. Rather, credible reports consistently placed Remi Omowaiye and Tobi Famurawa in the active company of armed thugs across affected areas.
It is deeply troubling that despite multiple reports to security agencies, no meaningful arrests have been made. The silence and inaction of the authorities in the face of repeated violence against opposition figures raise fundamental questions about neutrality and justice.

We therefore call on the Inspector-General of Police, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), civil society organisations, and the international community to urgently intervene. A thorough and impartial investigation must be conducted into the killings of February 17, 2025, the recent attacks on Accord Party members, and the activities of identified political thugs in Ijesa-land. Those implicated, particularly Remi Omowaiye and Tobi Famurawa, Olabode Segun and Ajibike Kole , must be invited and made to answer for their roles in the interest of justice and the rule of law.
The people of Osun State have not forgotten the painful legacy of the APC’s 12-year rule marked by half salaries, economic hardship, insecurity, infrastructural decay, and stagnation in education and healthcare. Under the leadership of Ademola Adeleke, the state is experiencing renewed hope, visible development, and people-focused governance. The contrast is undeniable, and the resolve of the people remains firm.

No amount of propaganda, intimidation, or false allegations can overturn the will of a people who have consciously chosen progress over regression.
The Osun APC must therefore desist from its campaign of calumny and confront the reality of its dwindling political fortune. Smear tactics against a peace-loving and widely respected leader like IBK will not rescue a failing political structure.

Hon. Fadipe Ibukun Ishola remains steadfast in his commitment to peace, development, and the democratic aspirations of the people of Osun State.
The truth will always prevail.

e-Signed:
Comr. Alalade Bukola Felix (Machiavelli)
Director of Media, IBK Campaign Organisation