Former Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and immediate past Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, has dismissed allegations linking Governor Biodun Oyebanji to the reported attack on the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, in Ado-Ekiti.
Olatunbosun, in a statement reacting to a report published by Sahara Reporters on October 31, 2026, accused the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) of politicising an incident that is still under investigation by security agencies.
He described the allegation of the Governor’s complicity as reckless, premature and unjustifiable, noting that the organisation had not presented any credible evidence to establish a connection between Oyebanji and the reported incident.
According to him, it is inappropriate for the OYC to draw conclusions about the involvement of a sitting governor without allowing security agencies to complete their investigations and establish the facts.
Olatunbosun said the Ekiti State Government had already dissociated itself from the incident and called on the Police to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that they are brought to justice.
He also referred to the account issued by the Ekiti State Police Command, which reportedly indicated that preliminary findings pointed to an altercation at a food outlet, adding that Sowore was rescued, attended to for his injuries and that suspects had been arrested in connection with the disturbance.
The former Commissioner stressed that the developments made it necessary for all parties to exercise restraint and allow the investigation to run its course instead of engaging in speculation and political accusations.
While acknowledging Sowore’s constitutional rights to freedom of expression, political participation and activism, Olatunbosun maintained that such rights must be exercised with respect for the rights of other citizens and within the provisions of the law.
He further questioned the rationale behind linking Governor Oyebanji to the incident, arguing that the Governor, having secured a massive re-election victory, had no political advantage to gain from sponsoring violence against an opposition figure.
Olatunbosun said Oyebanji’s administration had consistently promoted political tolerance, peaceful coexistence and an atmosphere that accommodates divergent political opinions.
He described Ekiti’s peaceful political environment and the conduct of the recent governorship election as evidence of the Governor’s commitment to democratic values and political stability.
The former Commissioner added that the administration’s vision of making Ekiti a destination of choice for Nigerians and international visitors to live, work, invest and do business was inconsistent with allegations of political intimidation and gangsterism.
He urged the Ohanaeze Youth Council to stop making statements capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation or heightening political tension, insisting that anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law.
Olatunbosun also called for the protection of Sowore and every other visitor to the state, while urging the OYC to avoid what he described as a trial by media against Governor Oyebanji.
He maintained that serious allegations of executive complicity must be supported by verifiable facts rather than political rhetoric, adding that the Police should be allowed to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He reaffirmed that Ekiti State belongs to all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, and called on stakeholders to protect the state’s peaceful atmosphere and democratic space.
