THE Sen. Fadahunsi Grassroots Movement (FGM) has condemned reported post-election attacks on APC members in Osun State and a protest against Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, describing the actions as threats to peace and unity in Osun East.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo on behalf of the movement, Director General Cde. Awowole Samuel said the group is deeply committed to the peace, stability, and development of Ife/Ijesa land and the entire Osun State.
The group said while it recognises citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest, it was concerned about the circumstances and personalities behind the demonstration held on Wednesday against Senator Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East in the Senate.
“Election Is Over, Osun Must Move Forward”
The movement noted that the Osun Governorship Election has been concluded with INEC declaring Senator Ademola Adeleke winner, and called for restraint across political divides.
“It is therefore disturbing that, following the declaration… 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,” the statement read.
The group commended the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, for congratulating Governor Adeleke and calling for peace. It also noted that Senator Fadahunsi had similarly congratulated the Governor and advocated responsible political engagement.
“The governorship election is over. Governor Ademola Adeleke has publicly expressed his willingness to work with stakeholders… We therefore believe that every responsible citizen should support efforts toward reconciliation,” the movement stated.
On Protest Against Fadahunsi
FGM described the protest against Senator Fadahunsi as “unfortunate” given the need for calm, and questioned the basis of the demonstration.
“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. When did leaving one political party for another become a crime in a democracy?” the group asked, citing Governor Adeleke and other prominent Nigerians who have switched parties.
The movement further alleged that some protest organizers were previous beneficiaries of Senator Fadahunsi’s goodwill. “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,” it said.
Call for Debate and Security Action
FGM challenged critics to engage in an “issue-based debate” on the records of senatorial candidates in Osun East, insisting that Senator Fadahunsi’s record of public service predates partisan politics and is open to scrutiny.
The group strongly condemned all forms of post-election violence and said, “No political ambition is worth a human life.”
It called on Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adewale Haastrup, and other traditional and religious leaders to promote peace and caution actors whose actions may threaten public order.
The movement also urged the Osun State Commissioner of Police to investigate reports of attacks and prosecute those found culpable “without political favour or prejudice.”
Appeal for Dialogue
FGM appealed to those with grievances against Senator Fadahunsi to embrace dialogue through established channels rather than confrontation.
“Senator Fadahunsi has made himself available for communication and dialogue with his constituents. The time for politicking is not the time for violence. The time to heal, unite, reconcile, and rebuild Osun East has begun,” the group concluded.
The statement was jointly signed by Cde. Awowole Samuel, DG; Cde. Oluwole Hamzat, General Secretary; Cde. Akindele Ayodele, PRO; and Cde. Aboke Oluwole, President, New Mandate Movement.