The death of Mrs Taliat Simbiat during the Accord Party primaries in Iwo has sparked fresh political controversy in Osun State, with Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Accord and the All Progressives Congress, APC, condemning the incident while trading accusations over responsibility for violence and alleged thuggery.
Governor Adeleke on Sunday expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, described the incident as painful, condemned political violence and commended what he characterised as the generally peaceful conduct of the Accord primaries across the state.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor described Mrs Simbiat’s death as a major loss to her family and the Accord Party.
“Mrs Taliat Simbiat’s sudden passing has left a deep pain in my heart that words cannot adequately convey. The deceased was more than a party faithful but one of our administration’s biggest promoters in Iwo and environs,” Adeleke said.
The governor urged politicians to embrace peaceful conduct, stating that politics should be seen as a means of serving the people and not as a platform for violence.
He also praised Accord members for what he described as the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed in most parts of the state during the primaries.
Responding to allegations by the APC that his administration was shielding thugs, Adeleke rejected the claims, maintaining that his political style has always emphasised peace and stability.
“Since joining politics, I have always maintained a peaceful disposition in my conduct,” the governor stated, adding that those making accusations were attempting to distort what he described as well-known facts among Osun residents.
The Osun State chapter of the Accord also condemned the violence recorded in Iwo and extended condolences to the family of Mrs Simbiat, whose death it linked to the incident.
In a statement signed by the state chairman of the party, Pastor Victor Akande, Accord described the development as a dark spot that should not have occurred, while stressing that its recently concluded primaries were largely peaceful across the state.
“Over 99 per cent success was recorded in the conduct of the primaries, and the isolated incident in Iwo does not reflect the peaceful disposition of the party and its members,” Akande said.
The party disclosed that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident were ongoing and expressed confidence that the facts would eventually emerge.
Accord also dismissed allegations that it harbours thugs, insisting that it has consistently promoted lawful political participation and peaceful engagement among its members.
However, the APC Governorship Campaign Council painted a different picture of the primaries, alleging that the exercise was marred by widespread violence, injuries and destruction of property in several parts of the state.
In a statement signed by the council’s Head of Media and Publicity Committee, Engr Oluremi Omowaiye, the APC alleged that several people sustained injuries during the primaries and claimed that Mrs Simbiat lost her life amid violence in Iwo Local Government Area.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and wish those injured a speedy recovery,” the APC said, while describing the loss of life as tragic and unacceptable.
The opposition party called on Governor Adeleke to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies in identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the violence and the death of Mrs Simbiat.
While Adeleke and Accord maintained that they do not support thuggery and condemned political violence, the APC insisted that a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible remain necessary.
