Lere Oyewumi’s Protest is Desperate Bid to Escape Justice – Osun APC

THE Osun State APC Governorship Campaign Council has accused Senator Lere Oyewumi of staging a planned protest over the death of Ezekiel Olopade as a “desperate bid to escape justice” over the killings of two APC chieftains, Hon. Saheed Oyegunju and Hon. Remi Abass.

In a press statement signed by Engr Oluremi Omowaiye, Head of the Media and Publicity Committee, on Monday, June 23, 2026, the Council alleged that the senator was exploiting Olopade’s death as a “political shield” against mounting questions over his links to previous political killings in Irewole Local Government Area.

The Council said the proposed protest was “not motivated by any genuine concern for justice” but was instead aimed at diverting public attention from ongoing investigations into the murders of Oyegunju in February 2023 and Abass in February 2025.

“The Council is convinced that the proposed protest is not motivated by any genuine concern for justice but is instead a desperate attempt to divert public attention from ongoing investigations,” the statement read.

On Oyegunju’s killing, the APC said the late treasurer of Ward 9, Irewole LGA, was abducted and murdered on the day President Bola Tinubu, then APC presidential candidate, was scheduled to campaign in Osogbo. His body was later found along Oosa Village via Ikire. The party alleged that several suspects arrested over the crime were later released under “circumstances that continue to raise serious questions”.

On Abass, who served as Chairman of Irewole LGA until his murder inside the council secretariat in February 2025, the Council said public reports indicated that suspects arrested had “allegedly mentioned influential political figures, including Senator Lere Oyewumi” during investigations.

The statement also raised concerns over Jide Joda, a suspect declared wanted by police over the Abass murder, alleging that he “continues to enjoy protection from powerful political interests and is being housed in the Government House”.

The Council therefore urged Senator Oyewumi to “make himself available to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to answer questions” instead of “constituting a public nuisance through a disgraceful and provocative protest”.

It called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, to ensure all suspects linked to political killings in Osun, including Jide Joda, Emir Ajagungbade and Nurudeen Alowonle, are apprehended and prosecuted.

“Justice must not be selective. The rule of law demands that no individual, regardless of political status, influence or office, should be above investigation or prosecution where credible allegations exist,” the statement added.

All efforts to reach Senator Oyewumi for feedback as at press time were unsuccessful.