Adeleke, Others Escape Unhurt as stage collapses at Accord Campaign Rally

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and leaders of the Accord political party on Wednesday escaped unhurt after a campaign podium collapsed during a political rally held in Ijebu-Jesa.

Also on the podium at the time of the incident were the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi; spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi; and other party leaders.

A video circulating on social media showed the platform giving way shortly after a musical performance ended, just as the governor was rising from his seat. The sudden collapse caused brief panic and disrupted proceedings for a few minutes before normalcy was restored and the event continued.

Reacting after the incident, Governor Adeleke said the large turnout at the rally demonstrated growing public support for the Accord political movement.

He urged supporters and residents to remain peaceful and come out en masse to vote on election day, stressing that intimidation or violence would not alter the people’s political choices.

“This massive presence proves that Accord has become stronger despite the defection of some lawmakers,” Adeleke said.

“I want to applaud Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi for putting up a strong show under Accord leaders from Ijesaland. No amount of violence can change the love of the people for Accord. Let us come out on election day and vote massively. Our vote is our voice.”

The rally was organised to inaugurate the “Imole Canvassers’ Group” in Oriade Local Government Area of the state. The initiative, led by Olajengbesi, who is the Accord candidate for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, is aimed at mobilising about 10,000 canvassers to promote the governor’s achievements in Osun East.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, with Governor Adeleke seeking re-election on the platform of Accord.