Osun Election: Deji Adeyanju Seeks US, UK Visa Restrictions on Senator Fadahunsi

Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has reportedly petitioned the governments of the United States and United Kingdom to consider visa restrictions against Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

The petition, reportedly contained in separate letters dated August 11, 2026, followed remarks attributed to the Osun East senator during a campaign gathering in the state.

Adeyanju reportedly asked the US and UK diplomatic missions in Abuja to consider the senator and members of his family for applicable visa restrictions, citing concerns over remarks he alleged could threaten political opponents and undermine the democratic process.

Adeyanju Raises Concern Over Fadahunsi’s Remarks

According to the petition, Adeyanju referenced media reports and a video in which Fadahunsi was speaking in Yoruba to supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State.

Adeyanju reportedly alleged that the senator’s remarks amounted to a call for violence against members or supporters of the Accord Party.

The lawyer asked the foreign diplomatic missions to take the reported comments into consideration when assessing whether any visa-related sanctions were appropriate.

The development comes only days before the Osun election, which is scheduled for August 15, with political parties and their supporters stepping up mobilisation ahead of the poll.

Fadahunsi Denies Calling for Violence
Fadahunsi has reportedly rejected the interpretation of his remarks, saying his use of the phrase “kill Accord” was not a literal call for physical violence.

According to the senator’s explanation, the expression was used metaphorically to urge voters to defeat the Accord Party through the ballot box.

The clarification is significant because the allegation at the centre of Adeyanju’s petition concerns whether the senator’s campaign language amounted to an incitement to violence.

There is therefore a clear dispute over the meaning and context of the remarks.
Visa Ban Has Not Been Imposed

Adeyanju’s action is a petition seeking possible visa restrictions, rather than confirmation that the United States or United Kingdom has imposed a visa ban on Fadahunsi.

LeadNaija has also not found an official statement from the US or UK governments confirming any visa restriction against the senator.

The controversy comes at a sensitive period in Osun State, with the governorship election approaching and political parties warning against actions capable of increasing tension ahead of voting.

The competing claims over Fadahunsi’s remarks are likely to attract further attention as political campaigns enter their final stage.

LeadNaija will continue to monitor the development and report any response from Senator Fadahunsi, the APC, Accord Party, US authorities or UK authorities.