The Olugbenga Edema Campaign Organisation of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, has berated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area of the state, Ms Toyin Ogungbure, over the arbitrary arrest of its chieftain, Mr Banji Orogbemi.
While demanding the immediate release of Orogbemi, the campaign organisation accused Aiyedatiwa and Ogungbure of being intoxicated with power.
Spokesperson of the campaign organisation, Oluwatosin Ayeni, in a statement, disclosed that Orogbemi was arrested for criticising Aiyedatiwa’s performance in the last eight months in office, in which he stated the situation is obvious in the state and had led to outcry from the people.
Meanwhile, the incident, which occurred on Monday, September 2, 2024, in Igbokoda, the administrative headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, had sparked outrage among residents calling for the immediate release of Orogbemi, arguing that the arrest violates fundamental human rights and the principles of justice.
Ayeni said: “Orogbemi was apprehended after allegedly calling out Governor Aiyedatiwa for his administration’s lack of progress and accountability.
“We viewed the governor’s actions as an abuse of power because such arbitrary arrests are unacceptable in a democratic society.
“The arrest was executed through Ms. Toyin Ogungbure, the Chairperson of Ilaje Local Government. After taking Orogbemi into custody, Ogungbure initially attempted to have him disciplined at the Forward Operation Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy. However, naval officers declined to participate in what they deemed an illegal act, prompting Ogungbure to shift her approach.
“Orogbemi was transported to the Igbokoda Divisional Police Station, where Ogungbure ordered the police to deny him bail. We will not sit idly by while they abuse their powers. This is not just about Orogbemi; it’s about the rights of every citizen.
“The arbitrary arrest of Mr. Banji Orogbemi is a clear indication that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa cannot tolerate dissent. His administration, marked by non-performance, has resorted to silencing voices of opposition instead of addressing the legitimate concerns of the populace.”
While urging the police to act independently, the campaign organisation demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest, stressing that political leaders should be held accountable for their actions, particularly when they infringe upon the rights of citizens.
Ondo guber: Edema lashes out at Aiyedatiwa, Council Chair over arrest of NNPP chieftain