A governorship aspirant in the 2026 Ekiti gubernatorial election, Engineer Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), alleging conspiracy, attempted murder, armed robbery, cultism, intimidation, and harassment targeted at him and his supporters during a political gathering in Ikere-Ekiti.
The petition, dated August 27, 2025, and received at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on August 29, 2025, was filed on Ojo’s behalf by Prince Ade Law Consult. The law firm described the incident as a coordinated attack aimed at destabilizing Ojo’s political ambition within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2026 governorship race.
According to the petition, the attack occurred on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, when the Kayode Ojo Solidarity Group held a meeting in Ikere-Ekiti to mobilize support for his ambition. The event, which reportedly witnessed a massive turnout, was violently disrupted by suspected cultists and political thugs armed with dangerous weapons.
The petition alleged that the hoodlums stormed the venue, assaulted participants, and destroyed properties. Among those named as leaders of the violent group were Seun Akinwumi, Ojo Rube, Kunle Oniyin, Ojo Owolabi (popularly known as Oosha), Baba Adua, Segun Arisanyi, Kunle Omadara, Diya Sunday, and a union leader identified as Mr. Suyi, alongside others whose identities remain unknown.
Several attendees sustained injuries, with victims identified as Hon. Fidare Banji, Mr. Omoyeni Niyi, Mr. Adewale Adebayo, Ojo Blessing, and Mr. Agboola Adekunle. They are said to be receiving medical treatment across different hospitals. The attackers also allegedly carted away mobile phones, caps, banners, and cash belonging to supporters. Vehicles, including a Lexus 350 saloon car, a Honda EOD, and several motorcycles, were vandalized.
The petition further alleged that prior instructions had been issued by certain government officials to prevent Ojo’s supporters from holding meetings. It claimed that some members of transport unions and motorcycle riders in Ikere were directed to “deal ruthlessly” with anyone convening gatherings on behalf of the APC aspirant.
The law firm expressed concern that despite distress calls made to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ijuepu Division, Ikere, there was no immediate response until after the attackers had left. This, it argued, raised questions about the level of security protection available to opposition figures in the state.
Prince Ade Law Consult called for an urgent and thorough investigation into the matter, stressing that the life of Engineer Ojo and his followers must be protected from further violence. The petition warned that if such attacks are not addressed, they could lead to a breakdown of peace and security in Ekiti State as the 2026 elections draw closer.
Engineer Kayode Ojo, who currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), is regarded as one of the top contenders in the APC for the governorship ticket. He formally declared his ambition by submitting his expression of interest form at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on August 25, 2025.
As the political atmosphere in Ekiti State begins to heat up, the petition underscores growing concerns about violence and intimidation ahead of the 2026 governorship polls. The police are yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
