The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, has been accused of leading an attack on Francis Eniade, the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Ifelodun, Boripe and Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, days before the state governorship election.
A photograph circulating on X on Wednesday showed Eniade lying in a pool of blood. An account on the platform alleged that Egbedun carried out the assault, leaving dozens injured and several vehicles damaged. The Osun State Police Command had not confirmed the incident as of press time.
Egbedun, a known ally of Governor Ademola Adeleke, had previously called for the arrest of both Eniade and Senator Francis Fadahunsi over remarks he described as inciting. Fadahunsi appeared before the state police command on Wednesday in connection with comments allegedly urging violence against supporters of the Accord Party.
The governorship contest pits incumbent Adeleke against Bola Oyebamiji of the APC and Dr Francis Ajala of the Social Democratic Party, whose candidacy was cleared on Wednesday. The election is scheduled for Saturday.
Political tensions have risen across Osun in recent weeks, with rival camps trading accusations of intimidation and violence. Security agencies have urged restraint, but incidents like the alleged assault on Eniade risk escalating the climate ahead of voting day.
Observers say the credibility of the electoral process will depend heavily on how authorities respond to such allegations. A prompt, transparent investigation could help restore confidence, while inaction may deepen mistrust among contending parties and the electorate.
