Lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi has appealed for calm and peaceful political campaigns in Ijesa North, Osun State, following reports that Hon. Wole Oke, a member of the House of Representatives, was booed during a political outing in Iloko-Ijesa.
In a statement, Olajengbesi acknowledged the reported incident but warned against publicly humiliating political candidates, stressing that dissatisfaction with elected officials should be expressed through peaceful engagement and the ballot box.
Reports cited in his statement alleged that the incident occurred during a gathering where Oke allegedly asked voters to swear an oath to support him in exchange for ₦10,000 each. Olajengbesi also claimed that the reported incident was the third hostile reception the lawmaker had faced within two weeks.
The allegations have not been independently established in the statement.
While recognising that residents may be unhappy with Oke’s performance or prolonged stay in office, Olajengbesi said such concerns should not lead to actions that could undermine peaceful political participation.
He argued that voters have the right to assess the lawmaker’s record, question his promises and decide whether he deserves another term, adding that elections remain the appropriate means of rewarding or rejecting political leaders.
“Our people have every right to question Hon. Wole Oke’s record, challenge his promises and decide whether his years in office justify another term,” he said, while urging residents to keep their demands for accountability within the law.
Olajengbesi also stressed that candidates should be allowed to campaign freely, just as residents should be able to listen to them, ask difficult questions and reject their appeals for support without intimidation.
He warned that political disagreements should not create lasting divisions among people who share the same communities and relationships.
According to him, the people of Ijesa North will remain neighbours, friends and family long after the elections, making it important to protect the peace and dignity of the area.
His appeal comes amid reports of growing hostility towards Oke during political engagements in some communities. However, the statement did not provide further details about the other alleged incidents.
Olajengbesi urged residents to channel their dissatisfaction into peaceful mobilisation and make their decisions at the polls, rather than resorting to public humiliation or actions capable of disrupting political activities.
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