The Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial candidate, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), has strongly condemned the arrest of peaceful protesters in Akure, the state capital. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of today, has sparked controversy and raised questions about civil liberties in the state.
According to eyewitness reports, a joint team of security forces, including Army, Civil Defence, Police, and Amotekun personnel, apprehended several protesters in the Alagbaka area of Akure South. Among those arrested were Kunle Ajayi Wizeman, the African Action Congress (AAC) Governorship Candidate for Ondo State, and Patrix Owolabi, a well-known human rights activist. The demonstrators were reportedly gathered between the Officers Mess and Senior Staff Club when they were rounded up and taken to an undisclosed location.
In a statement signed by Oyeniyi Iwakun, Strategic Communications and Media Adviser to the SDP Governorship Candidate, OBA called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to “immediately and unconditionally release these citizens who were exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly.
” The statement emphasized that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and questioned the governor’s motives in allegedly ordering the arrests.
“Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and a fundamental human right guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution,” the statement read. “We must ask why Governor Aiyedatiwa appears to fear public demonstration in Ondo State.”
The arrests, particularly of a rival gubernatorial candidate and a prominent activist, have drawn widespread criticism. Concerned youth groups and civil society organizations in the state are demanding the immediate release of all detained protesters, arguing that the government’s action infringes on citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
As of press time, the Ondo State government has not released an official statement regarding the arrests or the allegations made against Governor Aiyedatiwa.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State, raising concerns about political tensions and the state of democracy in the state. The arrest of a gubernatorial candidate from another party has added a new dimension to the political landscape.
The situation continues to develop, with many watching closely to see how the state government will respond to the mounting pressure for the protesters’ release, especially given the high-profile nature of some of those detained.
