The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has come under intense criticism after announcing as its governorship candidate a man who was previously arrested in connection with the assassination of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Chief Bola Ige.
The announcement, made following the party’s primary on Tuesday, immediately triggered outrage from sections of the public and civil society groups, with many questioning the party’s moral standing and the credibility of its internal vetting process.
The candidate, Adebayo Adedamola, popularly known as Fryo, whose name was linked to investigations surrounding Chief Ige’s murder alongside a former senator, Iyiola Omisore, was reportedly detained during the initial probe into the high-profile killing in 2001.
Although no final conviction was secured against him, his association with the case has remained a source of public concern and controversy.
Critics argue that presenting such a figure as a governorship candidate in Osun State is insensitive to the memory of the late statesman and an affront to justice, especially considering that Chief Bola Ige remains a revered figure in the state’s political history.
Political analysts warn that the decision could deepen divisions within the PDP and weaken its electoral prospects ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun PDP leadership had yet to issue an official explanation on the background screening that led to the candidate’s emergence.
Meanwhile, after the election, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon Adewale Egbedun, and some lawmakers on Tuesday stormed the venue where the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held its governorship primary, engaging in a brawl with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The lawmakers, in the company of government functionaries along with their aides, arrived at the venue after the exercise had been concluded and the winner announced.
Egbedun, on his arrival at the venue with his deputy, Hon. Akinyode Oyewusi, kicked against the exercise.
Egbedun, while engaging in an altercation with the Osun Public Relations officer of INEC, Mr Musa Olurode, and his aide, was assaulting the officials.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
