Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has apologised for the tension caused by his controversial remarks during a campaign visit to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III.
Fadahunsi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), offered the apology after the conclusion of the Osun State governorship election, saying his comments were made at a difficult moment when he was deeply affected by the killing of some members of his political party.
He explained that his visit to the monarch was primarily to seek justice and express his pain over the deaths of the party members, maintaining that his emotional appeal was later portrayed by his critics as a call for violence.
The senator said he never intended to encourage chaos or violence, describing the criticism against him as unfair.
His remarks had generated public outrage after he was quoted during a political gathering as directing APC supporters to attack members of the rival Accord Party during the electoral process.
“From now on, whenever you see Accord members, kill them. They have wives and children too,” he was quoted as saying.
Following the backlash, the Osun State Police Command invited Fadahunsi for questioning. He later appeared at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Osogbo and was granted bail after interrogation.
The controversy also led to 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 Commissioner of Police in the state 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 case.
In his latest statement, however, Fadahunsi expressed appreciation to the Owa of Ijesaland for the way he handled the controversy.
He praised the monarch for remaining calm and balanced despite claims that his remarks had disrespected the traditional institution, saying the Owa demonstrated the qualities of a true father to all people regardless of their political affiliations.
Fadahunsi said the monarch’s response helped prevent the situation from escalating further.
The senator also urged political leaders and residents to prioritise peace and healing following the election, stressing that the interests of the people should come before personal feelings and political differences.
“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,” the senator said.
He called on his supporters and other residents to embrace peace while urging them to respect the role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and unity in Ijesaland.
Fadahunsi, however, maintained that his demand for justice over the deaths of his party members remained unchanged.
He called on 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.
The senator said he would continue to seek justice for the victims while urging all sides to put political differences aside and avoid actions capable of creating further tension in the state.
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