The Osun State Police Command has granted Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), bail after questioning him over a controversial comment that went viral on social media. Fadahunsi was invited by the police following the circulation of a video in which the senator, speaking in Yoruba, was reported to have called on supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party in the state. The development has generated widespread concern coming just days before the Osun State governorship election, with political actors and groups calling for restraint and urging security agencies to prevent statements capable of encouraging electoral violence. ### Senator honours police invitation Fadahunsi reported to the Osun State Police Command's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Osogbo at about 2pm on Wednesday, August 12, following a formal invitation from the police. The invitation was issued in connection with the viral video and the comments attributed to the senator. After undergoing interrogation, the lawmaker was granted bail by the police. TheCable reported that he was released after questioning over the controversial remarks. The police action came shortly after the video generated significant reactions from political groups, civil society voices and members of the public. ### Controversial comment sparks backlash The controversy began after a video emerged online showing Fadahunsi addressing supporters in Yoruba. In the video, the senator was reported to have made a statement interpreted as an instruction to supporters to kill members of the Accord Party. The comments quickly spread across social media, prompting criticism and calls for the authorities to investigate. Fadahunsi subsequently attempted to clarify his position, saying that his words had been misunderstood. Despite the explanation, the police proceeded with their investigation and invited him to answer questions concerning the statement. ### Political tension rises ahead of Osun election The incident comes at a particularly sensitive time in Osun State, with the governorship election scheduled for August 15. The political atmosphere in the state has become increasingly tense as the major parties intensify their campaigns and mobilise supporters ahead of the poll. Statements perceived as threatening or capable of encouraging violence have consequently attracted heightened attention from political stakeholders and security agencies. The controversy involving Fadahunsi has added to concerns about the possibility of political violence during the election period. ### Campaign council reacts The Imole Campaign Council, associated with Governor Ademola Adeleke's campaign, has also criticised the senator's remarks. The campaign council said Fadahunsi should be held responsible for any violence against members of the Accord Party, while calling on security agencies to investigate the situation. The council's media and publicity committee chairman, Bamidele Salam, described the senator's alleged comments as unacceptable and said the issue should not be ignored because of his position as a serving senator. The campaign council also raised allegations about the presence of thugs and individuals impersonating police officers in some parts of Osun. Those allegations are separate claims and have not been established by the police in the reports reviewed. ### Calls for disciplinary action The controversy has also prompted calls for action against Fadahunsi. Former APC deputy national publicity secretary Timi Frank called on the Senate to suspend the senator over the remarks and urged security agencies to investigate the matter. Frank argued that statements capable of encouraging electoral violence should not be tolerated, particularly from elected public officials. The calls reflect growing concerns among political stakeholders about the language being used during the final stages of the Osun governorship campaign. ### Fadahunsi says his words were misunderstood Following the backlash, Fadahunsi attempted to retract or explain the statement contained in the viral video. The senator reportedly maintained that his comments had been misinterpreted. The clarification, however, did not prevent the police from proceeding with their investigation. His subsequent appearance at the police headquarters allowed officers to question him directly about the circumstances surrounding the video and the meaning of the statement attributed to him. ### Police investigation The police invitation demonstrates the security concerns surrounding inflammatory political statements in the run-up to an election. Authorities have a responsibility to investigate allegations that could potentially contribute to violence, particularly when such allegations involve public officials and political campaigns. Fadahunsi's release on bail means that the police investigation does not appear to have resulted in his continued detention at this stage. Being granted bail also does not, by itself, amount to a finding that the allegations are proven or disproven. Further action would depend on the outcome of the investigation and any additional evidence or complaints received by the authorities. ### Importance of peaceful elections The incident has renewed calls for politicians and their supporters to avoid inflammatory language during the election period. Osun's governorship election is being closely watched, and security agencies are expected to maintain order before, during and after voting. Political parties have also been urged to ensure that their supporters respect the law and avoid actions that could threaten the safety of voters, electoral officials, journalists and other participants. The controversy surrounding Fadahunsi comes as several political actors have publicly called for a peaceful election. ### Fadahunsi returns to political spotlight Francis Fadahunsi is a veteran politician and currently represents Osun East in the Senate. His involvement in the controversy has placed additional attention on the role of political leaders in maintaining calm during an election. As a serving senator, comments attributed to him can carry significant political weight, particularly among supporters and party members. The police investigation therefore comes at a time when political leaders are under increasing pressure to promote peaceful participation rather than language that could heighten tensions. ### What happens next? For now, Fadahunsi has been released on bail after answering questions from the Osun State Police Command. The focus will now shift to whether the police take further action following their investigation and whether additional complaints or evidence emerge concerning the viral video. The broader political environment in Osun will also remain under close observation as the state approaches its August 15 governorship election. With tensions already high, political parties and security agencies are expected to work toward preventing violence and ensuring that voters can participate freely and safely. The senator's interrogation and subsequent release highlight the seriousness with which authorities are treating statements that could potentially inflame political tensions. As the election approaches, attention will remain on the conduct of political actors, the response of security agencies and the ability of all sides to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.