Osun Election: What You Should Know About Fadahunsi Viral Video Controversy

The controversy began after a video from an APC gathering in Ilesa, Osun State, circulated widely on social media. In the footage, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, is heard speaking in Yoruba to supporters and making a statement that has been interpreted as a call to attack members of the rival Accord Party. The footage triggered public concern because it emerged just days before the August 15 governorship election.

The incident quickly moved beyond social media as the Osun State Police Command said the video raised “serious concern” and invited the senator to explain what he meant. Fadahunsi, however, rejected the interpretation of the video, arguing that the footage was edited and that he was referring to political retaliation and alleged attacks against APC members rather than calling for physical violence.

How The Controversy Started

The video emerged from an APC gathering in Ilesa on Tuesday, August 11, where Fadahunsi was addressing supporters amid heightened political tension in the area.

According to reports from Premium Times and ICIR, the senator accused members of the Accord Party of involvement in attacks against APC supporters and then made the controversial remark captured in the circulating footage. Premium Times reported that the statement came a day after three people were killed in a shooting in the Imo area of Ilesa.

The footage subsequently spread across social media, generating condemnation and calls for the authorities to investigate the statement.

Police Describe Video As ‘Serious Concern’

The Osun State Police Command subsequently intervened.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the police could not ignore the video.

“Seeing that video, it calls for serious concern, and that is what led to his invitation. Let him come and tell us what he was trying to say and what he meant by “kill them” in that video.”

The police invitation was dated August 11 and directed Fadahunsi to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12.

The invitation said the police wanted him to “clarify the circumstances” surrounding statements allegedly made during the APC programme, describing the comments as potentially threatening, inciting and intimidating.

What Fadahunsi Said About The Video

Fadahunsi has denied that he was calling for people to physically attack Accord Party members.

In his response, the senator said the video had been deliberately edited and that his comments were made against the backdrop of what he described as attacks on APC members in Ilesa and other parts of Osun.

“The video was deliberately edited to distort what I actually said.
“What I said was that if the alleged killing of our party members by Accord Party thugs does not stop, our party will retaliate. I was referring to the continued violence and attacks against our members in Ilesa and other parts of the state,” Senator Fadahunsi stated.

He further said:
“My statement was very clear: if the killings do not stop, we shall also retaliate. We are here to lodge complaints and demand justice. It is unacceptable for human beings to kill fellow human beings the way our members are allegedly being killed in Ilesa.”

Fadahunsi also maintained that his comments should be understood within the context of the longer speech from which the viral clip was taken.

Fadahunsi Says His Words Were Political

In a separate explanation reported by Premium Times, Fadahunsi said his Yoruba remarks had been interpreted too literally.

“I told them that this shows that they are weak, this shows that they cannot win. They should shut them down with their votes.”

His media team similarly described the statement as political and metaphorical, saying the intended message was for APC supporters to defeat the Accord Party through votes rather than violence.

This is an important part of the story because the senator’s explanation differs significantly from how the viral clip has been interpreted by critics and some reports.

Adeleke Calls For Fadahunsi’s Arrest

The controversy also drew a strong response from Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election under the Accord Party.

Adeleke asked the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to investigate and arrest Fadahunsi over the comments.
The governor described the matter as a national security concern and accused the senator of inciting violence against Accord Party members. He also called for intervention by federal security authorities.

“This is now beyond politics. This is now a national security threat that requires the attention of Mr President through the office of the National Security Adviser. I have raised this issue with the IGP and demanded the immediate investigation and arrest of Senator Fadahunsi.
“The IGP has confirmed the video and assured me of immediate action,” Adeleke said.

Political Tension Rises Ahead Of Osun Election

The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive moment. INEC has scheduled the Osun governorship election for August 15, 2026, leaving only a few days between the viral incident, the police invitation and election day.

The situation has heightened concerns about political violence, especially because the controversy is occurring alongside competing allegations from the APC and Accord camps over attacks on their supporters.

The controversial statement followed tensions in Ilesa and a recent shooting in which three people were killed. Fadahunsi has also alleged that several APC members were killed or injured, although those claims should be treated as allegations unless independently established.

What Happens Next?

For now, the immediate issue is the police invitation issued to Fadahunsi.
The senator was asked to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo on Wednesday, August 12, to clarify the comments attributed to him. The police have said his explanation will be made public.

The broader issue, however, extends beyond one politician or one viral video. With the Osun election only days away, the controversy has put renewed attention on the responsibility of political leaders and their supporters to avoid language or actions that could contribute to violence during the electoral process.