By Funmilayo Akinyemi
Hundreds of youths under the aegis of Ondo State Youths Network (OSYN), on Wednesday defied an order by the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, and took to the streets in protest alleged incarceration of three young activists by the State Attorney-General, Mr. Kayode Ajulo (SAN).
247nextnews.com reports that Afolabi had through a statement by the Command’s Spokesman, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, warned that the protest must not hold.
He cited risk of the protest being hijacked by hoodlums for the warning.
“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 statement said.
But, despite the warning, the youths were seen in their hundreds armed with placards of various inscription, blocked the ShopRite Roundabout as they chant solidarity songs, calling for the immediate resignation of Ajulo.
The placards carried inscriptions such as #AjuloMustToGo; #SackAjuloNow!!!; Ajulo, you have betrayed us and we will stop backing you; Ajulo is power drunk, amongst others.
They accused the Attorney-General of weaponizing the judiciary to settle political scores.
The spokesman of the group, Christopher Olusa, who alleged that Ajulo was using State institutions to muzzle dissenting voices, described the development as a “dangerous descent into tyranny”.
He added: “This is not justice. This is naked persecution. These youths committed no crime. Their only offence was standing up to a powerful man who now wants to silence them using the instruments of the State.”
