The Osun State Governorship Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to immediately arrest and investigate the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate and Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District, Senator Lere Oyewumi, over his alleged complicity in the killing of members of the APC and the recent murder of innocent citizens at Naira and Kobo Junction in Ikire.
The Campaign Council said the latest development surrounding the violent incident at the Naira and Kobo Junction, where two innocent citizens were killed after known associates and thugs of Lere Oyewumi disarmed a policeman on duty and used his rifle to fire shots, has further strengthened the party’s longstanding concerns over Senator Oyewumi’s involvement in political violence in Osun State.
In a statement signed by Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, Head, Media and Publicity Committee, the Council said, “We are particularly concerned that the facts emerging from the investigation into the Ikire killings are consistent with the warnings our party has issued about the activities of violent political elements operating under the influence and protection of Senator Lere Oyewumi”.
“The confession of arrested suspects and the briefing by the Commissioner of Police have now brought the matter into sharper focus.”
“We therefore, call on the IGP, Rilwan Disu, to immediately arrest and thoroughly investigate Senator Lere Oyewumi. His status as a serving senator must not confer immunity from criminal investigation where credible allegations have been made, ” the Council maintained.
The Campaign Council recalled that Senator Oyewumi had previously been accused of involvement in the killing of Hon. Remi Abass, a prominent APC chieftain and former Chairman of Irewole Local Government, was murdered within the premises of the Irewole Local Government Secretariat last year.
According to the Council, one of the disturbing issues requiring fresh investigation is the allegation that a rifle belonging to a security operative attached to Hon. Remi Abass was taken from the security agent on the day of the assassination and subsequently returned to a Police station by Senator Oyewumi.
“How did the rifle get to Senator Oyewumi?”
The Council also called for investigation into allegations that substantial sums of money were provided by Senator Oyewumi to security personnel to compromise the investigation into the murder of Hon. Remi Abass.
It recalled that Jide Joda, a loyalist and political appointee of the Governor, was arrested in connection with the murder, subsequently granted bail and has jumped bail, leading to his declaration as wanted by the Police.
It is strange that the police has not been able to arrest Jide Joda
The Council further alleged that Ayẹwo, who has been identified by suspects as the person who fired the shots that killed the two innocent citizens at Naira and Kobo Junction, has also been linked to previous incidents of political violence and assassinations in Osun State.
It said Ayẹwo’s connection with the killing of Saheed Oyegunju, the Ward 9 Treasurer of the APC in Irewole, should also form part of the Police investigation.
The Campaign Council alleged that Senator Oyewumi had, over time, used his position and influence at the National Assembly to evade arrest and prosecution over allegations of political violence.
It, however, urged the IGP not to allow political office or parliamentary influence to obstruct the course of justice.
“The IGP must act professionally, independently and in accordance with the law. Senator Lere Oyewumi is a senator, not a sacred cow. His membership of the National Assembly does not place him above the law.
The IGP must prove that there are no untouchable Nigerians when credible allegations of murder and violent crimes are involved.