Oyo AAC Condemns Detention of 12 Persons for Protesting

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan 

The Oyo State chapter of the African Action Congress (AAA) has kicked against what it described as wrongful arrest and detention of 12 people by the state government for protesting against the takeover of their property.

The party in a statement issued by its Chairman, Kayode Babayomi, while calling for the immediate release of the detainees, said it is disgraceful to punish individuals for expressing their rightful dissatisfaction on what affects them. It would be recalled that 12 mechanics in Ibadan were last Thursday ordered to be remanded at Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan by an Iyaganku Chief Magistrate Court presided over by Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi, over alleged threat and defamation against the state Governor, Seyi Makinde.

However, the AAC stated that the detainees have committed no crime but only voicing their outrage over the reckless land-grabbing of the government, noting that detaining them is nothing but a dictatorial tendency.

Babayomi said the governor with such action has portrayed himself as a dictator, insisting that the citizens of the state are awoken to the truth and are prepared to rise against the injustices been inflicted on them by the administration of Governor Makinde by acquiring both private and public lands for the benefits of those in government.

The statement read: “We in the AAC stand in solidarity with the good people of Oyo State to put an end to these abuses of power. Makinde’s militaristic approach will be opposed vigorously. He must release the innocent landowners he has jailed. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. We demand the release of these 12 innocent individuals within 24 hours, or the residents of Oyo will take to the streets in mass protest.

“We urge all affected families to remain resolute in this fight. We are united in our struggle, and we will not rest until justice is served.”