By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Ogbomoso, Oyo State — Tension has gripped Ogbomoso following the reported attack on the newly unveiled campaign office of Hon. Gbemileke Alagbe, popularly known as Eleniyan, a governorship aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to residents and loyalists, unidentified persons stormed the campaign office in the early hours of Saturday, September 20, 2025, and vandalised the property by cutting down Eleniyan’s campaign banners with sharp objects, leaving the premises in disarray.
A video showing the torn banners and the present state of the campaign building was obtained by The Merit Newspaper and is set to be published alongside this story.
Reacting to the attack, Hon. Gbemileke Alagbe described the incident as an act of desperation by political opponents, accusing the “failed government” of sponsoring thugs to intimidate his growing movement.
“At about 1:30 am this morning, we got information that our campaign office at Ogbomoso was attacked by thugs from the failed government we abandoned for continuous and uncontrollable borrowing and demolition of people’s properties,” Eleniyan said in a statement.
“Instead of repenting and using the few days they have left in office to serve the people, they have chosen to deploy thugs and weapons of war against us. But let me assure the people of Oyo State: we shall overcome. Their carnal machines of war shall come to nothing.”
Despite the attack, Eleniyan maintained an optimistic tone, assuring his supporters that the movement for change remained unstoppable.
“Happy weekend to the good people of Oyo State and to all my brothers and sisters yearning for good governance. We will defeat them with the strength of the people’s will,” he declared.
READ ALSO:Eleniyan Storms Ogbomosho, Opens Campaign Office Amid 5,000 Supporters
Loyalists in Ogbomoso expressed anger and disappointment over the incident, stressing that such intimidation would only strengthen their resolve.
Mrs Taye Afolabi, a trader who lives in Ogbomosho, told The Merit Newspaper:
“This is shameful. Instead of showing their works, they are destroying banners. But the people know who is standing for them, and that is Eleniyan.”
Similarly, Alhaji Kareem Olatunji, a community leader, condemned the act as a “cowardly attempt to silence a voice of hope.” He added:
“Eleniyan’s vision for Oyo State has inspired thousands. If his opponents think tearing down banners will stop him, they are mistaken. The people will still rally behind him.”
Political analysts in Oyo State note that the attack may further boost sympathy and support for Eleniyan, whose entry into the ADC governorship race has already reshaped the political conversation. His slogan, “Ogbomoso Lokan, Gbemile Ni Joor”, continues to resonate strongly across Ogbomoso, Oke Ogun, Ibarapa, and Ibadan.
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As the 2027 governorship race gathers momentum, this incident underscores the rising political tension in Oyo State, with Eleniyan positioning himself as a formidable contender committed to progress, inclusiveness, and people-centred governance.
View the destroyed board in the video below:
