Protest as students oppose remand of ex-SUG president in Ondo

By: Adewale Momoh, Akure

Protests erupted in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Wednesday following the incarceration of youths from the Akoko axis of the state, among whom is the former Student Union President (SUG) of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, James Akeju, who is also the President of the Akoko Youth Forum.

With student and youth leaders mobilising their colleagues to the state capital, the protesters for several hours shut down and barricaded the roads leading to the state secretariat, Alagbaka, and Federal Secretariat, Igbatoro roads, with the demand that the Akeju and others who were remanded, Adediran Gabriel and Yaya Bisola should be released with immediate effect.

According to the protesters, the affected youths were remanded in prison custody by a court sitting in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday following alleged political victimisation on the part of Ajulo.

While describing the action as a gross abuse of power and a deliberate move to intimidate and silence voices of youths in the state, they emphasised that the trio were unjustly targeted after a face-off with the Attorney-General on March 28, 2025.

The protesters, who failed to listen to the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, brought cooking utensils to the protest grounds, insisting that the incarcerated youths must be released and also meet them at the protest grounds before they vacate the protest scene.

The Coordinator of the Ondo State Youth Network, Adegboyega Afe, who expressed dismay over the alleged action of Ajulo, stated that the affected youth were arraigned on frivolous charges such as threat to life and cyberbullying, among others.

Afe, who maintained that the trio were unaware of their arraignment, lamented that Ajulo, who used to portray himself as an activist and once fought against oppressors, has turned to oppressing his own people.

“Leaders of Akoko youths that had issues with Ajulo were remanded to Olokuta Prison. We followed the process; it was very unlawful. They were not aware they were being charged in court. They were slammed with a four-count charge and remanded to Olokuta Correctional Centre. We are out against this oppressor.

“This is not the first AG. President Tinubu did not do anything to Ajulo during the presidential election. We have a lot of insecurity issues in the state. We will continue the protest until the Akoko leaders are released. Let us not cause another insecurity through the act of the Attorney-General.

“It was the DSS that invited us, and we went there. The police invited us, and those that went were remanded to prison custody. They charged them for cyberbullying and threat to life. Aiyedatiwa should talk to Ajulo. He should release those in detention. We will remain here.”

On his part, the National Social Director of Akoko Youth Forum, Oladimeji Adewunmi, urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to call Ajulo to order, stressing that they will not be cowed.

He said, “Cyberbullying is a serious offence involving threats and online harassment—none of which occurred. Our only offence was visiting a public office to deliver an invitation for a community empowerment event.

“We are now demanding the immediate release of Akeju and the two other detained executives. We will not leave this protest site until justice is served. We are ready to remain here—eating, sleeping, and standing firm—until our brothers and sisters are freed. We understand that there may be plans for mediation, but before any negotiation can begin, our people must be released.

“Let us not forget that office is a public institution, not personal property. Our Youth President, Mr Akeju, was elected by the people of Akoko and remains the rightful voice of the youth. Silencing that voice is an affront to all of us.”

Meanwhile, the Technical Adviser to the Attorney General, Yomisaint Adebayo, said the youths were arraigned following a police investigation into incidents that involved assault, conspiracy, actions aimed at breaching public peace, cybercrime, threats to life, and other related offences that occurred at the State Secretariat.

“In response to the developments, the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who was out of the State, has returned to Akure and directed the Director of Public Prosecutions to formally take over the matter.

“The aim is to ensure a swift resolution while upholding due process, safeguarding the rights of all parties involved, and potentially including their release.

“We encourage the public to remain calm and allow the legal process to unfold, as we consider steps to resolve this matter in a manner that promotes peace, respect for the law, and mutual understanding.”