Osun Youths Rally Behind Fadahunsi, Seek Forgiveness Over Controversial Remarks

Youths from Osun East Senatorial District have appealed to residents to forgive Senator Francis Fadahunsi over controversial comments that triggered criticism and calls for his recall.

The youths, under the Osun Pro Youths Frontiers, made the appeal during a rally held in Ilesa on Tuesday.

The group marched through parts of the town, beginning from the Isokun area and passing through Oke-Ola, Ita Akogun and Atakunmosa Market before moving towards the Roundabout area.

The rally was used to canvass support for Fadahunsi’s bid to return to the Senate in the 2027 general election.

Carrying placards highlighting what they described as the senator’s contributions to Osun East, the participants later gathered at Ereja Palace Square, where the group’s leaders addressed supporters.

The coordinator of the group, Biola Olatunbosun, acknowledged that Fadahunsi’s remarks had generated controversy but argued that the senator had already apologised.

Olatunbosun appealed to residents to consider the apology alongside Fadahunsi’s contributions to the district and the state.

He also expressed concern over the resurgence of violence in Osun and urged politicians to avoid statements capable of increasing tension.

The group particularly called on political actors across the six local government areas in Ijesaland to promote peace ahead of future elections.

Olatunbosun pointed to development projects supported by prominent Ijesa individuals as examples of what collective responsibility could achieve in the region.

He cited the Owa Palace, geriatric hospital and scholarship programmes for indigent students among projects funded through private contributions.

He urged political leaders to emulate such initiatives rather than allow political disagreements to deepen divisions within communities.

The youth group also rejected the ongoing agitation for Fadahunsi’s recall, urging those behind the move to seek political solutions through the ballot box.

The latest development comes after another youth group staged a protest in Ilesa against the senator, accusing him of making comments capable of triggering violence.

The protesters had demanded action over remarks attributed to Fadahunsi before the August 15 governorship election.

The opposing positions have created a fresh political debate around the senator’s future in Osun East.

The APC has also rejected calls for Fadahunsi’s recall, with a party official alleging that his political opponents were behind the protest.

As political activities begin to build towards 2027, the youth group has urged young people in the district to reject political violence and promote peaceful participation.