A member of the Accord Party in Osun State, Mr Oyeyemi Olalekan, popularly known as Emir, has strongly denied allegations linking him to the killing of Mr Oyebamiji Kazeem, describing the claims as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation through what he termed dirty politics.

Oyeyemi reacted to reports circulating online and on social media that associated him with the murder of Kazeem, who was said to be a personal assistant to Mr Kazeem Oyewale, a chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW. The incident reportedly occurred in Osogbo on Sunday, prompting speculation and political accusations that quickly gained traction.

In a statement personally signed and released on Monday in Osogbo, Oyeyemi dismissed the reports as false, malicious, and deliberately misleading. According to him, he was not in Osun State when the incident occurred and has no connection, directly or indirectly, to the killing.

Denial and Alibi

Oyeyemi, who said he was formerly associated with the now defunct Motor Transport System, MTS, insisted that the allegations were entirely fabricated. He explained that he had travelled out of the state days before the incident for personal, family, and business reasons.

“As of Friday, 16 January 2026, I had left Osun State for a personal family and business engagement and was not present in Osogbo at the time of the alleged incident,” he stated.

He also rejected suggestions that he controls or sponsors violent groups within the state, saying such claims were part of a long-running effort to portray him negatively in the public space.

“I do not have any boys or gang operating in Osogbo. My only association in Osogbo is with my football teammates and legitimate acquaintances,” Oyeyemi said.

Allegations of Political Motives

According to Oyeyemi, the reports linking him to the murder were not accidental but politically motivated. He alleged that unnamed individuals were exploiting a tragic event to score political points and undermine his standing.

He described the publication as a smear campaign designed to drag his name into a serious criminal matter with which he has no involvement. In his words, the objective was to tarnish his image and weaken his credibility through the spread of false information.

“The publication is a deliberate attempt to tarnish my image, damage my reputation, and drag my name into a criminal matter in which I have no link,” he said.

Political analysts say such accusations are not unusual in Osun, where rivalry between parties often spills into public narratives, particularly during periods of heightened political activity. While no election has been officially announced, tensions among parties remain high, and actors are increasingly sensitive to issues of public perception.

Warning to Political Actors and Media

Oyeyemi went further to caution individuals and groups he accused of amplifying the allegations. He warned against what he described as reckless dissemination of unverified information and defamatory content.

“I therefore warn all individuals and groups behind this false narrative to immediately desist from spreading fake news, defamatory content, and unverified allegations against my person,” he said.

He specifically called on media operatives affiliated with the All Progressives Congress, APC, and other political actors to exercise restraint and professionalism, stressing that freedom of expression must be balanced with responsibility.

“Freedom of speech does not extend to defamation, character assassination, or the dissemination of falsehoods,” Oyeyemi added.

He also made it clear that he is considering legal options to protect his reputation, noting that he would not hesitate to seek redress against any individual or platform that continues to circulate the allegation.

“I reserve the right to take appropriate legal action against any person or platform that continues to promote this false allegation,” he said.

Background to the Incident

The killing of Oyebamiji Kazeem has generated concern within Osogbo and among members of the transport union community. According to reports, the deceased was closely associated with the NURTW leadership, an organisation that has historically played a visible role in both transport management and grassroots politics in parts of the state.

Past incidents involving transport unions in Osun and other southwestern states have sometimes intersected with political disputes, making such cases particularly sensitive. Analysts note that this context often fuels speculation and quick attribution of blame, even before investigations are concluded.

Security agencies have yet to publicly name any suspect in connection with the killing, and there has been no official confirmation linking any political figure to the incident.

Why the Issue Matters Now

The swift spread of allegations against Oyeyemi highlights the growing influence of social media and partisan platforms in shaping public narratives around security incidents. According to media observers, false or premature accusations can complicate investigations, inflame political tensions, and damage reputations long before facts are established.

Legal experts also point out that the increasing willingness of political figures to pursue defamation cases may signal a shift toward greater accountability in political communication, especially in an era of widespread misinformation.

Meanwhile, civil society groups have urged both politicians and the media to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out thorough investigations without interference or politicisation.

What to Watch Next

Attention is now expected to turn to the police investigation into Kazeem’s killing, as well as any legal action Oyeyemi may initiate in response to the allegations. Observers will also be watching how political parties in Osun manage their public messaging in the coming weeks, particularly on sensitive security issues.

For readers, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information and separating confirmed facts from political claims, especially when lives and reputations are at stake.