TD Former Anambra State governorship aspirant, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, has called for the permanent remembrance of the twenty-eight people who lost their lives in politically motivated violence in Osun State ahead of and around the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
In a statement shared on X, Obaze described the reported deaths as a needless sacrifice for democracy, stressing that no election should cost the life of even one citizen.
“Lest we forget, twenty-eight (28) people needlessly died in Osun for our democracy to gain grounds. That did not have to happen,” Obaze wrote.
According to him, the loss of 28 lives represents an unacceptable price for what should have been a periodic democratic exercise.
“One life is too steep a price to pay for what ought to have been a genuine and periodic election. 28 lives are far too much a waste,” he added.
Obaze described the deceased as the “true heroes of our democracy”, arguing that their deaths had become part of the painful history surrounding the electoral process.
He said their sacrifice helped reinforce the principle that political power ultimately belongs to the people.
“On their blood and bones the nation has found a path and voice to reaffirm that power still belongs to the people,” he stated.
Obaze urged the Osun State Government to establish a permanent memorial in honour of those who died.
“I hope Osun State will emplace a marker in their memory – that way the labours of our heroes past shall not be in vain,” he said, describing the victims as the “unknown Osun Warriors of our democracy.”
Osun’s Troubled Electoral History
Obaze’s comments come against the backdrop of a long history of election-related violence in Osun State, particularly during closely contested governorship elections.
The state witnessed significant political tensions during the 2007, 2014 and 2018 election cycles, while the 2022 election was also preceded by allegations of attacks and politically motivated killings.
More recently, clashes linked to political disputes over local government administration in February 2025 resulted in multiple deaths.
Ahead of the 2026 governorship election, election-monitoring organisations reported a significant increase in politically related violence, including shootings, clashes, attacks on party supporters and other incidents.
Reports from monitoring groups differed on the precise number of casualties and incidents recorded during the election period, while political parties frequently traded accusations over responsibility for the violence.
The August 15 election itself also recorded isolated incidents of violence and disruption in some areas, even as voting proceeded across much of the state.
Governor Ademola Adeleke was subsequently declared the winner of the election, securing another term in office.
Obaze’s call for a memorial adds to broader demands for accountability, compensation for victims’ families and investigations into those responsible for election-related violence.
The former diplomat concluded his tribute by saying:
“RIP the unknown Osun Warriors of our democracy! RIP!”
The call has renewed attention on the human cost of Nigeria’s electoral politics and the need for stronger measures to prevent political violence, protect voters and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
