The shocking news of the remand of no fewer than 3 executives of the Akoko Youth Forum (AYF) at the Olokuta Correctional Facility on 8th April, 2025 has sparked wide protests among youth groups in Ondo State.
In less than 6 hours after the development made it to the public, students, youth groups have been mobilizing to draw a battleline with the Ondo Attorney-General over what they termed the successful attempt at intimidating Blessing James Akeju, Adesunloye Adeniran, Yaya Bisola whose moves were driven by sheer public interest.
The Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN), in its hot reaction to the development in a statement titled, “ENOUGH OF THE TYRANNY: GOVERNOR AYEDATIWA MUST CALL HIS ATTORNEY GENERAL, KAYODE AJULO, TO ORDER NOW,” said in an excerpt from their speech:
“The Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN) is appalled, enraged, and deeply disappointed at the growing abuse of power being perpetuated by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Barr. Kayode Ajulo. We demand in the strongest terms possible that the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, immediately calls his appointee to order before this dangerous descent into lawlessness escalates beyond control. We will not fold our arms while young citizens are persecuted for simply demanding respect and fair treatment.”
“We recall with dismay that on March 28, 2025, the executives of the Akoko Youth Forum had an unpleasant encounter with the Attorney General in his office. These young leaders went to visit someone they regarded as a father, only to be met with unprovoked hostility, dehumanizing utterances, and disrespectful conduct from Mr. Ajulo. This behavior, unbecoming of someone who sits atop the state’s justice system, sparked outrage online and offline. However, the Attorney General’s response — using the DSS and Police to detain these youths without justification — reveals his tyrannical mindset and disregard for the democratic principles he swore to uphold.”
“Following interrogation by the DSS, the young individuals were detained for several hours by the Police, only to be released due to the intervention of well-meaning citizens. One would have assumed the matter ended there. But to our utmost shock and disgust, they were later served a court summons with charges that have since been exposed as flawed and baseless. From today’s court proceedings, it was clear that the four charges was struck out due to lack of jurisdiction and the application for remand was deemed grossly incompetent, yet the judge remanded the youths pending ruling on April 16th — a development that reeks of political manipulation and judicial misuse.”
“This is not only a violation of their rights, but an intentional attempt to intimidate and silence youth voices in Ondo State. We want to state categorically that these individuals — Adediran Gabriel, Yaya Bisola, and Akeju Blessing James — have done absolutely nothing to warrant their continued incarceration. They are being punished for expressing legitimate outrage and for standing firm in the face of oppression. If this state government cannot tolerate constructive confrontation, then it has failed the young people who form the backbone of its development.”
“Let it be known that the Ondo State Youth Network will not sit idle. As our state already grapples with worsening insecurity — from daily herdsmen killings to rampant kidnappings — this deliberate assault on innocent youths can only fuel more unrest. Our Coordinator, Afe Ezekiel, has clearly warned that “The youth are ready to storm out against this injustice. The Governor should immediately stop the planned transfer of these individuals to Olokuta Prison, else we will mobilize ranks across Ondo State and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Akoko Youth Forum to resist this tyranny with every lawful means.”
Another group, Youth Assembly of Nigeria, in a press statement addressed through its Ondo South Senatorial District Ambassador, Hon. Amb. Bolu Oladokun, said:
“Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Ondo North Senatorial District, Condemns the Unruly Conduct of the Ondo State Attorney General.”
“The Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Ondo North Senatorial District, unequivocally condemns the recent actions of the Ondo State Attorney General, which we view as a gross abuse of office and a direct attack on youth advocacy and democratic engagement.”
“We are deeply troubled by the unjust remand of three comrades from Akoko, whose only act was participating in peaceful and lawful civic expression. Their detention is not only an affront to democratic values but a shameful misuse of authority by an individual who holds a position meant to uphold justice and fairness.”
“Rather than focusing his efforts on tackling the alarming insecurity in Ondo State, the Attorney General has chosen to chase shadows—targeting innocent youths and attempting to stifle legitimate voices of dissent.”
“The use of state machinery to suppress youth participation and intimidate advocates for justice sends a dangerous and disheartening message. It erodes public trust, undermines the rule of law, and paints the office of the Attorney General as a tool for political repression rather than public service.”
“We stand firmly with our unjustly detained comrades and demand their immediate and unconditional release. We also call for an immediate end to all forms of political harassment and youth oppression.”
“We urge the Governor of Ondo State to call the Attorney General to order and ensure that his office is not weaponized against the very citizens it is sworn to protect.”
Another group whose identity cannot be directly traced but tagged Concerned Youth of Ondo State, reacted by deeming the Attorney-General unfit for the office he occupies, thereby threatening to kickstart a protest against him with immediate effect, to press home its vote of no confidence in his leadership.
In its words: “We, the concerned youths of Ondo State, are appalled by the recent attempt by the Attorney General to suppress the voices of young comrades through an unjust and oppressive legal process.”
“The remand application against members of the Akoko Youth Forum, as seen in official court documents, is a blatant misuse of power. Arresting individuals over a mere poster is not only an overreach it is a gross violation of their rights and an attack on freedom of expression.”
“We are declaring the Ondo State Attorney General unfit for office. As such, we will be occupying his office tomorrow to deliver a clear and unified message: a vote of no confidence.”
“This shameful attempt to intimidate, silence, and criminalize youth activism will not go unchallenged. We refuse to be bullied into silence. This is no longer just about the Akoko Youth Forum this is about every young voice demanding accountability, equity, and good governance in our state.”
“Enough is enough.
We demand justice, not oppression.
We demand leadership, not dictatorship. We meet in the ministry tomorrow by 7:30am.”
Other students groups like National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Students Union (RUGIPOSU), have issued statements to condemn the action by the AG.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command, via a press statement by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, warned the various youth groups, including Akoko Youth Movement against proceeding with their planned protest for tomorrow; insisting that it is capable of being hijacked by violent elements in the light of the current security situation in the State.
The Police statement titled, “ONDO CP WARNS AGAINST PLANNED AKOKO YOUTH PROTEST, reads:
“The Ondo State Police Command has received credible intelligence regarding a planned protest by a group identified as the Akoko Youth Movement.”
“While the Command recognizes and affirms the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of expression, including peaceful protest, it is important to emphasize that the current security situation in the state is the result of deliberate and sustained efforts by the Police and other security stakeholders. These gains, however, remain sensitive and require continued vigilance and cooperation to be fully consolidated.”
“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 Command further calls on parents, guardians, community leaders, and stakeholders to prevail on their wards and youths to shun any act capable of leading to a breakdown of law and order. The safety and security of all residents remain paramount, and we are committed to maintaining peace across the state.”
