Tension in Ibadan as APC, PDP Supporters Clash

Tension in Ibadan as APC, PDP Supporters Clashes

Few weeks after the attack on Accord Party members which left four of them dead, another tragedy was averted on Saturday evening around Oni and Sons Hospital area in Ring Road as members of rival political parties clashed.

Members of the All Progressives Congress on the campaign team of Honourable Saheed Akinade Fijabi, the member representing Ibadan South West/ North West Federal Constituency had gone to Oni and Sons’ area to campaign.

The area incidentally happens to be the stronghold of Honourable Folake Olunloyo-Osinowo, who is the biggest politician residing there. Osinowo, who was the representative of the constituency and was defeated by Fijabi in the 2011 election.

An eye witness disclosed that tension brewed when Fijabi’s supporters stormed the area and started canvassing for votes and giving people gifts. The eye witness recounted, “All of a sudden, Folake’s supporters came out and there was a scuffle. The next thing we heard was a gunshot. Shortly after, Honourable Fijabi’s supporters retreated and gathered near the popular bus stop in the area, apparently awaiting further instructions”.

They however dispersed after. It was alleged that the shots were fired by Mrs Olunloyo-Osinowo’s security aides.

Some of the residents have expressed apprehension, especially because the campaign was truncated and there is a feeling that “they will come back to campaign and if they are prevented, there might be trouble”.

There are also fears that the clash might snowball into a bigger political clash as the Oluyole Estate residence of Governor Ajimobi is only about seven minutes drive from Oni and Sons while Senator Teslim Folarin, the PDP governorship candidate have a house and an office also in Oluyole Estate, less than 10 minutes away from the Governor’s house.

Neither Honourable Saheed Fijabi nor Honourable Olunloyo-Osinowo could be reached on phone as of the time of filing this report.