Fadahunsi Denies Inciting Violence, Says Viral Video Was Edited

Osun East Senator Francis Fadahunsi has denied allegations that he called on his supporters to attack members of the Accord Party, insisting that a viral video circulating online was edited to distort the meaning of his remarks.

Fadahunsi made the clarification on Wednesday after being questioned by the police at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo over the controversial video.

The senator met with investigators at the command’s Criminal Investigation Department, where he was questioned about comments he made in Yoruba that were widely interpreted as a call for violence against Accord Party members and their families.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Fadahunsi said his remarks were about defeating the Accord Party at the ballot box rather than physically attacking its members.

According to the senator, he used the expression “kill them with our votes” to describe the APC’s intention to defeat the party in the August 15 governorship election.

He argued that the full recording, which he said lasted about 38 minutes, would provide the proper context for his comments.

Fadahunsi accused those circulating the shorter version of deliberately manipulating his words and said he would consider legal action over what he described as the misinterpretation of his statement.

Senator Raises Concern Over Killings

The lawmaker also raised concerns about recent killings in his constituency, alleging that some APC members had been targeted by suspected thugs.

Fadahunsi said the attacks were intended to intimidate voters and discourage them from participating in the forthcoming election.

He maintained that his comments were made in the context of the alleged attacks against APC supporters in Ilesa and other parts of Osun State.

The senator arrived at the police headquarters at about 2:35 p.m., accompanied by the Commissioner of Police responsible for election and security matters, Samuel Erale.

His invitation followed the circulation of the viral video in which he was allegedly heard directing supporters to “kill” Accord Party members and their relatives.

Adeleke, Amnesty International React

The controversy has attracted strong reactions from political leaders and rights groups.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke had accused Fadahunsi of inciting violence and making what he described as genocidal remarks against Accord Party supporters.

Adeleke called for a thorough investigation and demanded the senator’s immediate arrest, describing the alleged comments as a threat to national security.

Amnesty International also urged authorities to investigate the matter and hold Fadahunsi accountable over the comments attributed to him.

The rights organisation described the alleged remarks as potentially capable of encouraging violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election and called on authorities to condemn statements promoting violence.

Police Investigation Continues

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu Okokon, confirmed that Fadahunsi had been interrogated and said investigations into the matter were still ongoing.

He added that the police would make the outcome of the investigation public after completing the process.

The police spokesperson also assured residents that adequate security arrangements had been made across Osun State to protect voters, election officials and other participants during Saturday’s governorship election.