Pelum Olajengbesi Petitions NHRC for Independent Inquiry Into Esa Oke Killings, Political Violence

Osogbo — August 13, 2026 | AccordWatch

Legal practitioner and spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for an urgent, independent inquiry into a string of killings, shootings, and property destruction in Esa Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, tied to political activity surrounding the August 15 governorship election.

In the petition addressed to the NHRC's Executive Secretary, Olajengbesi described Esa Oke as a historically peaceful and closely knit community now caught in a cycle of violence and fear driven by political differences. He said that while a significant share of the reported attacks this election season have targeted members and supporters of the Accord Party, his concern extends to any resident harmed regardless of political affiliation, stressing that the killing of any Esa Oke resident — Accord, APC, or otherwise — demands independent investigation.

Two Killings at the Centre of the Petition

The petition details two killings it wants the proposed inquiry to examine.

The first involves Ajayi Aderogba, known locally as "Rogba," an Accord supporter who was shot dead in Esa Oke on or about June 23 in the presence of his wife and children. Olajengbesi cited the widely reported account of his widow, Mrs. Tolulope Aderogba, who has said her husband was approached and encouraged to meet with Hon. Wole Oke but declined, insisting he would not abandon the Accord Party, after which a vehicle carrying certain individuals arrived and her husband was shot and attacked with machetes, dying before reaching hospital. The petition noted that Wole Oke and APC representatives have publicly denied involvement and have themselves called for an impartial investigation — a competing set of accounts Olajengbesi said makes independent inquiry essential.

The second killing involves Dele Ayegbo, identified as a nephew of Hon. Wole Oke and an APC member or supporter, who was reportedly shot dead near his residence in the Idofin area of Esa Oke on the night of August 12. According to the petition, media reports citing the Osun APC describe gunmen in a vehicle attacking two people, killing Ayegbo and injuring another victim who was taken for treatment; the APC has alleged Accord supporters were responsible. Olajengbesi said this allegation, like the others, must be independently investigated rather than accepted on the basis of partisan claims, stating unreservedly that Ayegbo's killing was equally condemnable regardless of political affiliation.

Concern Over Alleged Incendiary Remarks

The petition also raises concern over remarks reportedly made by Hon. Wole Oke, Director-General of the Osun APC Campaign Council, at the start of campaign activities, in which he was said to have suggested that people outside his political party should accept whatever happened to them. Olajengbesi urged the Commission to obtain and examine the full recording of the statement, establish its exact context and audience, and assess whether it was capable of emboldening political violence — noting that a perception of political protection or impunity, whether or not factually grounded, can itself encourage violence.

Broader Pattern of Attacks

Beyond the two killings, the petition cites a broader pattern of reported assaults, home invasions, and property destruction affecting Esa Oke residents, particularly Accord members and supporters, describing the cumulative effect as an erosion of residents' rights to life, dignity, personal liberty, and peaceful political participation.

Requests to the Commission

Olajengbesi asked the NHRC to constitute a Special Independent Panel of Inquiry into political violence and killings in Esa Oke, with a mandate to:

- Receive evidence from victims, witnesses, families, political parties, community leaders, and security agencies, and conduct a fact-finding visit to Esa Oke.

- Invite the families of Aderogba and Ayegbo to testify, and examine the police investigation files relating to both killings and other reported incidents.

- Invite Hon. Wole Oke and other named political actors to assist the inquiry, including examination of the disputed audiovisual statement.

- Assess the Nigeria Police Force's response to complaints of political violence in the area, including whether reported suspects have been arrested, questioned, or prosecuted.

- Recommend prosecution of anyone found credibly responsible for violence, regardless of political affiliation or status.

- Recommend compensation and remedies for victims and families whose rights are found to have been violated.

- Recommend measures for the immediate protection of Esa Oke residents through the remainder of the election period.

- Publish the inquiry's findings.

Olajengbesi stressed that the petition was not made in support of any political party but as a call for the protection of human life and accountability irrespective of political affiliation, and said he was prepared to submit videos, photographs, and other materials to assist the Commission's investigation. He urged the NHRC to treat the matter as urgent.