…..As Ondo Police beg against Protest, Seek Dialogue.
the Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN) is appalled, enraged, and deeply disappointed over what it described as unjust remand in imprison of some Akoko youths over their alleged disagreement with the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Kayode Ajulo.
This is contained in a press statement
Signed Christopher Olusa, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN), on April 8th, 2025
“We demand in the strongest terms possible that the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, immediately calls his appointee (Kayode Ajulo) to order before this dangerous descent into lawlessness escalates beyond control. We will not fold our arms while young citizens are persecuted for simply demanding respect and fair treatment.
“We recall with dismay that on March 28, 2025, the executives of the Akoko Youth Forum had an unpleasant encounter with the Attorney General in his office. These young leaders went to visit someone they regarded as a father, only to be met with unprovoked hostility.
“Following interrogation by the DSS, the young individuals were detained for several hours by the Police, only to be released due to the intervention of well-meaning citizens. One would have assumed the matter ended there.
“But to our utmost shock and disgust, they were later served a court summons with charges that have since been exposed as flawed and baseless. From today’s court proceedings, it was clear that the four charges was struck out due to lack of jurisdiction and the application for remand was deemed grossly incompetent, yet the judge remanded the youths pending ruling on April 16th — a development that reeks of political manipulation and judicial misuse.
“This is not only a violation of their rights, but an intentional attempt to intimidate and silence youth voices in Ondo State. We want to state categorically that these individuals — Adediran Gabriel, Yaya Bisola, and Akeju Blessing James — have done absolutely nothing to warrant their continued incarceration.
“They are being punished for expressing legitimate outrage and for standing firm in the face of oppression. If this state government cannot tolerate constructive confrontation, then it has failed the young people who form the backbone of its development.
“Let it be known that the Ondo State Youth Network will not sit idle. As our state already grapples with worsening insecurity — from daily herdsmen killings to rampant kidnappings — this deliberate assault on innocent youths can only fuel more unrest.
“Our Coordinator, Afe Ezekiel, has clearly warned that “The youth are ready to storm out against this injustice. The Governor should immediately stop the planned transfer of these individuals to Olokuta Prison, else we will mobilize ranks across Ondo State and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Akoko Youth Forum to resist this tyranny with every lawful means.”
“Finally, to the Attorney General, Barr. Kayode Ajulo: the clock is ticking. The youths of Ondo will not forget. And history will not forget.”
PRESS RELEASE
ONDO CP WARNS AGAINST PLANNED AKOKO YOUTH PROTEST
….Calls for dialogue to address Grievances.
The Ondo State Police Command has received credible intelligence regarding a planned protest by a group identified as the Akoko Youth Movement.
While the Command recognizes and affirms the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of expression, including peaceful protest, it is important to emphasize that the current security situation in the state is the result of deliberate and sustained efforts by the Police and other security stakeholders. These gains, however, remain sensitive and require continued vigilance and cooperation to be fully consolidated.
Given this context, any form of protest or public gathering at this time poses a significant risk of being hijacked by criminal elements, which could reverse the progress made and disrupt public peace.
The Command will therefore not tolerate any protest or activity capable of jeopardizing the hard-won stability. We urge any group or individuals wishing to express political opinions or grievances to adopt lawful and constructive channels such as dialogue and engagement with the appropriate authorities.
The Command further calls on parents, guardians, community leaders, and stakeholders to prevail on their wards and youths to shun any act capable of leading to a breakdown of law and order. The safety and security of all residents remain paramount, and we are committed to maintaining peace across the state.
E- Signed
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA OLUSHOLA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Ondo State Police Command
For: – Commissioner of Police, Ondo State.
Date: 8th April, 2025
