Oyedele Hakeem Alao, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has strongly condemned the arrest and prosecution of twelve individuals who accused Governor Seyi Makinde of land grabbing.
According to reports, twelve mechanics in Ibadan have been detained at the Agodi Correctional Centre in the state capital following allegations of making threats and defaming the governor.
In response, Alao characterized the arrests and subsequent legal actions against these individuals as regrettable and indicative of authoritarian governance.
In a statement, he criticized the governor makinde’s actions, asserting that the arrests reflect a dictatorial approach.
He questioned the rationale behind imposing serious charges on peaceful protesters voicing their concerns about alleged illegal land seizures.
Alao remarked, “It is deeply unfortunate that twelve residents, including a 71-year-old man, are currently facing detention in Agodi prison for protesting against what they believe to be the illegal acquisition of their land by Governor Makinde.
“They have been charged with ‘treasonable felony,’ even though the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the right to peaceful protest.
“When individuals gather to express their grievances, it is usually because they are frustrated with certain issues. A government that is truly responsive should seek to address these concerns rather than resort to arrests. If President Bola Tinubu had taken similar actions against every critic, there would be mass incarceration.”
He further emphasized that the current administration is reportedly selling public assets, including libraries and motor parks, to private entities, which could displace over 200,000 residents due to land acquisitions for private developments. He also raised concerns regarding the 500-meter setback for the Circular Road project affecting those impacted.