By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A member of the House of Representatives, Oluwole Oke, on Wednesday denied allegations linking him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the killing of Accord Party member Ajayi Aderogba, popularly known as Rogba. Aderogba was shot dead on Tuesday in Esa Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, during preparations for a political rally supporting Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second-term campaign. Oke made the denial through a statement issued in Osogbo by his media aide, Tunde Omolebi-Sunday, while calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Adeleke Campaign Spokesperson Makes Allegations
The spokesperson for the Adeleke Campaign Organization, Pelumi Olajengbesi, accused Oke of being responsible for the attack that led to Aderogba’s death.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday, Olajengbesi alleged that Oke had attempted to disrupt the planned political rally in Esa Oke.
“Just yesterday, while we were preparing for a political programmed in Esa Oke, Wole Oke made several efforts to frustrate the programmed and prevent it from holding,” he claimed.
Olajengbesi described the deceased as a loyal supporter of Governor Adeleke and the Accord Party.
Oke Dismisses Claims as False
However, Oke rejected the allegations and described attempts to connect him and the APC to the killing as false and misleading.
The lawmaker expressed shock and sadness over Aderogba’s death. He also extended condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and residents of Esa Oke.
Furthermore, Oke criticised Olajengbesi for making accusations before security agencies completed their investigations.
“Such conclusions, made without any credible investigation or report from security agencies, are not only premature but deeply irresponsible. As a legal practitioner, he ought to understand the primacy of evidence, due process and responsible public communication,” the statement said.
Call for Thorough Police Investigation
Oke maintained that neither he nor the APC had any involvement in the incident.
“We therefore firmly state that Hon. Oluwole Oke and the APC have no connection whatsoever to the death of Ajayi Aderogba. Any attempt to link them to this tragic occurrence without substantiated evidence is false, misleading and must be rejected,” the statement added.
The lawmaker urged the police and other security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
According to the statement, preliminary reports from the community suggested that clashes between rival groups may have triggered the violence. It also noted indications of possible reprisal attacks. Nevertheless, Oke stressed that only a proper investigation could establish the facts.
Appeal for Peace and Responsible Conduct
Oke also called on political stakeholders and residents to allow security agencies to perform their duties without interference.
In addition, he urged all parties to respect due process and avoid politicizing a matter involving the loss of life.
“Matters of life and death should not be trivialized or reduced to political tools,” the statement said.
The lawmaker further appealed to residents to remain peaceful, uphold the truth and engage lawfully while investigations continue.
