Akinlalu Tragedy: A Time for Justice, Not Political Exploitation -By Hon. Femi Oluwasanmi

The tragic incident in Akinlalu Town has sent shockwaves across Osun State, igniting sorrow, and deep reflection. It is heartening to see political leaders across party lines showing empathy by visiting the grieving community and extending their condolences. Particularly commendable is the swift and humane response of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who interrupted his medical trip abroad to stand in solidarity with the people during this dark hour. Such a gesture speaks volumes about his compassion and leadership.

However, it is deeply disheartening that some individuals have sought to politicize this tragedy, attempting to score cheap political points by injecting ethnic and senatorial sentiments into the narrative. This is both reckless and insensitive because this moment will pass, but the words spoken and actions taken in its wake will echo in the hearts and memories of the people for generations.

The gruesome killing in Akinlalu is a condemnable act, barbaric, horrendous, and utterly reprehensible. Such violence has no place in a civil society, especially in the 21st century. It underscores an urgent need for a renewed focus on the training, retraining, and ethical reorientation of security personnel across all agencies. Preventable tragedies like this can only be avoided if those entrusted with public safety uphold the professional standards and human dignity expected of them, even in the face of provocation.

Security officers are employed to protect, not to harm innocent civilians. The Governor’s firm stance, that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring justice for the victims, regardless of the societal status of those involved, is a laudable position that reaffirms his commitment to justice and the sanctity of human life.

But beyond promises, this tragedy demands a deeper investigation into its root causes. The scale and nature of the incident, combined with statements from some victims’ families, suggest that this may not be an isolated or spontaneous conflict. For instance, the father of one victim alleged that after his son was injured, some individuals returned to the scene with white cloths to wipe away the blood. Such a peculiar act raises questions and suggests that the incident might have been premeditated or connected to long-standing tensions.

Clearly, there is more beneath the surface than what has been publicly reported. Therefore, any attempt to politicize or ethnicize the tragedy is not only premature but grossly irresponsible. It trivializes the pain of the victims and disrespects the sanctity of human life.

Yes, as Aristotle famously observed, “Man is by nature a political animal.” But politics must never descend to the level of exploiting human suffering. Playing politics with the lives of the deceased, the agony of the injured, or the grief of bereaved families is the height of insensitivity. Worse still is the attempt to frame the tragedy through the dangerous lenses of ethnicity and senatorial divisions, which could incite further unrest elsewhere.

What is required at this time, from all citizens regardless of political affiliation, is empathy, restraint, and collective responsibility. These are necessary to honour the departed, support the families left behind, intensify efforts to save those still battling for life, and support the appropriate authorities in the ongoing investigations by providing them with the needed information in order to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done, so that it can serve as deterrent to those who thrive in violence and discord.

In moving forward, I recommend the immediate establishment of a community distress response unit, a dedicated arm of government equipped to respond swiftly to emergencies and escalate matters to the appropriate authorities. If such a structure had existed, and given enough publicity, this kind of unfortunate tragedy wouldn’t have happened.

Likewise, the state government should expedite the process of establishing the police station requested by the community to help prevent future security lapses.

Note: No human life is worth sacrificing on the altar of politics.Therefore, we must be guided by conscience and compassion because this period will eventually pass but the decisions made today, and the integrity with which this crisis is being approached will be remembered in history and in the hearts of people.

Let us choose unity over division, justice over vengeance, and humanity over politics.

Hon. Femi Oluwasanmi,
Special Assistant to the Governor of Osun State,
Secretary, Ijesa South Special Assistants Forum,
Administrator, Osun State Special Assistants Forum.
Date: 14th October, 2025.