The senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Fadahunsi, has tendered an apology for the tension generated by his controversial “kill Accord members” remark made ahead of the governorship election in the state.
Fadahunsi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), issued the apology in a statement he signed and obtained by Politics Nigeria on Wednesday.
Speaking after the conclusion of the election, the senator said his controversial remarks were made at a difficult moment when he was deeply affected by the deaths of some members of his political party.
He explained that his visit to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, was primarily to seek justice and express his pain over the alleged killings.
According to him, his emotional appeal was subsequently presented by his critics as a call for violence, insisting that he never intended to promote chaos or bloodshed.
“Because the peace of Osun State and Ijesaland in particular is far more important than any political dispute, victory, or defeat, I sincerely apologise for the tension that resulted from this misunderstanding,” Fadahunsi said.
The senator expressed appreciation to the Owa for his handling of the controversy, describing the monarch’s response as calm, balanced and fatherly despite claims that his remarks had disrespected the traditional institution.
Fadahunsi said the monarch demonstrated the qualities of a true father to all people, irrespective of their political affiliations, adding that his intervention helped prevent the situation from escalating.
His apology followed a statement attributed to him during a political meeting in which he told APC supporters to “kill” members of the rival Accord Party if they encountered them during the electoral process.
“From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them. I authorise you to kill them. They have wives and children too,” he was quoted as saying.
Following public outrage over the remark, Fadahunsi was invited by the Osun State Police Command for questioning. He subsequently appeared at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Osogbo and was granted bail after interrogation.
He later explained that his statement was metaphorical and intended to urge his supporters to defeat the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful and peaceful means.
The controversy also prompted legal action, with the Osun State Attorney-General filing a suit at the Osun State High Court in Osogbo seeking an order compelling the Inspector-General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police to investigate the alleged death threat.
The IGP and Osun Commissioner of Police were listed as respondents, while Fadahunsi was named as a person affected or interested in the matter.
In his latest statement, however, Fadahunsi urged his supporters and residents of Osun to embrace peace and work towards healing following the governorship election.
He stressed that the peace of Osun State and Ijesaland was more important than political victory, defeat or disagreement, urging political actors to place the interests of the people above personal feelings and partisan differences.
The senator also called on residents to respect traditional institutions and their role in maintaining peace and unity in Ijesaland.
Fadahunsi further maintained that his demand for justice over the deaths of his party members remained unchanged.
He urged the Osun State Government and security agencies to thoroughly investigate the reported killings and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice through lawful and peaceful means.
Fadahunsi said he would continue to seek justice for the victims while urging his supporters and other citizens to avoid actions capable of heightening tension in the state.