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Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has urged the British Government to impose visa restrictions and other sanctions on Senator Francis Fadahunsi over alleged inflammatory comments made ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election. In a letter dated August 11 and addressed to the British High Commissioner in Abuja, Adeyanju asked the UK Government to consider sanctions against Fadahunsi and members of his family, arguing that the alleged remarks could threaten the safety of political opponents and undermine the credibility of the electoral process. The letter was reportedly received by the British High Commission on Wednesday.
Adeyanju said his request was based on the United Kingdom’s stated commitment to democracy, free choice and universal suffrage. He argued that the political atmosphere surrounding the Osun election had become increasingly tense and that comments perceived as encouraging violence could have serious consequences. The lawyer’s petition follows a viral video in which Fadahunsi was alleged to have made comments interpreted as a threat against members of the Accord Party. The senator has rejected that interpretation, insisting that his remarks were taken out of context and that he was referring to alleged attacks on APC supporters and warning of retaliation if such violence continued.
The controversy has already attracted the attention of Nigerian security authorities, with the Osun State Police Command summoning Fadahunsi for questioning over the alleged inciting remarks. The senator subsequently appeared at the police headquarters in Osogbo, maintaining that the viral footage had been edited to misrepresent what he said. Adeyanju has also called on political candidates and parties to publicly condemn threats against their opponents, warning that political violence could undermine the August 15 poll. The request for UK sanctions remains an appeal by the lawyer, and there is currently no indication that the British Government has imposed any restriction on Fadahunsi.
