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The Cry for Change: Osun East’s Unified Stance on Leadership
The Cry for Change: Osun East’s Unified Stance on Leadership
Delivered by the Coalition of Youth and Students and Concerned Citizens of Osun East Senatorial District
Members of the Press, Fellow Citizens of Osun East,
We are gathered here today as concerned citizens of Osun East Senatorial District to peacefully express our concerns about political violence, security, accountability and the quality of representation in our district.
This gathering is not about hatred, vendetta or attacking any individual or political party. We are here because we believe democracy must protect lives, respect citizens and deliver accountable leadership.
POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND THE DEMAND FOR JUSTICE
We are deeply concerned about issues surrounding political violence before, during and after the 2026 electoral process.
There are issues concerning statements attributed to Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi during the election campaign, including claims that persons associated with the opposition or wearing yellow caps should be killed.
We emphasise that it must be properly investigated by the appropriate authorities especially the police. However, this statements is extremely serious and unacceptable in a democratic society.
No election is worth a human life. No political ambition should be placed above the safety of citizens.
We therefore demand a transparent, impartial and credible investigation into all credible allegations of incitement, threats, killings and political violence connected to the electoral process.
We also demand justice for the victims of pre-election violence and their families. Every life lost deserves justice, regardless of political affiliation.
REPRESENTATION AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi represents Osun East in the National Assembly. As constituents, we have the democratic right to assess the quality of representation we receive and demand accountability.
Representation must go beyond occupying a seat in the Senate. It must include meaningful engagement, effective advocacy, community development, education, economic opportunities and youth empowerment.
Our young people must not be remembered only during elections. They deserve skills, education, entrepreneurship support, employment opportunities and meaningful participation in governance.
OUR DEMANDS
As the Coalition of Youth and Students and Concerned Citizens of Osun East Senatorial District, we demand:
- JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIMS OF PRE-ELECTION VIOLENCE IN OSUN.
- FADAHUNSI MUST BE ARRESTED, INVESTIGATED AND, WHERE EVIDENCE ESTABLISHES A CRIMINAL OFFENCE, PROSECUTED.
We call for investigation of all credible allegations against him, with the law taking its course if wrongdoing is established.
- AN UNBIASED INVESTIGATION INTO ALL PRE-ELECTION AND POST-ELECTION MATTERS.
All credible allegations of killings, threats, intimidation and electoral violence must be investigated without political interference.
- NO TO THE KILLING OF INNOCENT SOULS IN OSUN EAST.
Every citizen has the right to life and security, regardless of political affiliation.
- ENOUGH OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE, TENSIONS AND KILLINGS.
Political disagreements must be resolved through dialogue and democratic processes—not violence.
- RADICAL EFFORTS TO RECOVER ILLEGAL FIREARMS FROM POLITICAL THUGS AND CRIMINAL ELEMENTS.
We call on the Police and other security agencies to intensify intelligence-led operations to identify, recover and lawfully deal with illegal firearms threatening our communities.
We further demand:
- Greater accountability and more effective representation for Osun East.
- Meaningful youth and student engagement in governance.
- Sustainable youth empowerment and employment programmes.
- Transparency regarding constituency projects and interventions.
- Equal protection of all citizens by security agencies.
- Respect for freedom of expression and other democratic rights.
OUR MESSAGE TO SECURITY AGENCIES
We call on the Police and other security agencies to remain professional, impartial and committed to protecting every citizen.
They must investigate credible allegations without fear or favour and intensify efforts to recover illegal firearms and dismantle networks of political thuggery.
We also urge all participants in this civic action to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
We are not here to fight. We are here to demand justice, accountability, peace and better representation.
OUR MESSAGE TO SENATOR FADAHUNSI
Our message is simple: listen to the people, engage the people and respect the people.
Public office comes with responsibility and accountability. Where allegations are made, they should be investigated fairly; where wrongdoing is established, the law must take its course.
OUR MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF OSUN EAST
To our people across Atakumosa West, Atakumosa East, Oriade, Obokun, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North and Ife South, we say:
Do not be afraid to demand good governance.
Do not allow anyone to use you to perpetrate violence.
Our political choices may differ, but our lives and future are shared.
CONCLUSION
We stand today for democracy, justice, accountability, peace and the protection of human life.
Our message is clear:
POLITICAL POWER MUST SERVE THE PEOPLE.
PUBLIC OFFICE MUST COME WITH ACCOUNTABILITY.
NO POLITICAL DIFFERENCE IS WORTH A HUMAN LIFE.
ENOUGH OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE, TENSIONS AND KILLINGS.
OSUN EAST MUST STAND FOR JUSTICE, DEMOCRACY AND PEACE.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
Our voices are peaceful, but they will not be silent.
Thank you.
Signed:
For and on behalf of the Coalition of Youth and Students and Concerned Citizens of Osun East Senatorial District
