In a strongly-worded letter, lawyer Tope Temokun Esq. has called on the Ondo State government, through the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo SAN, to intervene in the alleged detention of three anti-Okitipupa Oil Palm Company PLC (OOPL) activists. The activists—Bose Loyinmi-Ogunlowo, Rachael Akinirun, and Orimisan Adelokiki—were reportedly arrested for protesting against what they claim is an illegitimate corporate encroachment on the Ikale people’s ancestral land.
Temokun’s letter, titled “On the Ikale 3: A Release That Justice Demands,” criticizes the state government for allegedly enabling OOPL to use public institutions to suppress dissent and target the activists. The letter emphasizes the urgent need for the Attorney-General to ensure their release and address the contentious land issue through peaceful and diplomatic means.
The lawyer accused the OOPL of leveraging state machinery to profile and detain the three activists, who he described as courageous defenders of their community’s land and constitutional rights. Temokun argued that the arrests represent a misuse of state power to silence dissent and undermine democratic principles.
“Ondo State today stands at the crossroads of justice and oppression; what some have framed as a mere land dispute between a corporation and locals is, in truth, a profound test of our constitutional values and the very essence of democratic governance,” Temokun wrote.
The letter expressed concern over the continued detention of the activists, stating that their only offense was exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful assembly and free expression under Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Temokun urged the Attorney-General to take decisive action, highlighting the moral and legal responsibility of his office to protect the constitutional rights of all citizens. He warned that allowing corporate interests to dominate state policies would tarnish the government’s reputation and undermine public trust.
“The intimidation of citizens through arrest and detention is the power bank of corporate interests, deployed at the slightest challenge to frighten and silence dissenting voices and community advocates,” he wrote. “Your office, with its proud traditions and sacred duty to uphold not only the rule of law but social justice regardless of whose ox is gored, should not be associated with such tactics.”
The lawyer also emphasized the broader implications of the state government’s stance, cautioning that history would judge the administration based on its handling of the issue.
Temokun framed the detention of the activists as a litmus test for the Attorney-General’s commitment to justice and constitutional rights. He argued that the government’s actions in this case would define its legacy, urging Ajulo to avoid aligning the state with corporate interests at the expense of its own citizens.
“There is no protest the Ikale people can mount that should result in detention, especially in a matter that has both communal, judicial, and civic content,” Temokun stated. “Every responsible government should always hesitate to allow itself to be seen standing with private interests against a community of people.”
He further urged the Attorney-General to reflect deeply on the continued detention of the activists, asking what purpose it serves and whether it aligns with the principles of justice.
Temokun concluded his letter by calling for the immediate release of the detained activists and a peaceful resolution to the underlying land dispute. He stressed the importance of handling the matter in a way that prioritizes justice, respects constitutional rights, and preserves the reputation of the Attorney-General’s office.
“I urge you, sir, to reflect deeply on this matter and take immediate steps to facilitate not just the release of Bose Loyinmi-Ogunlowo, Rachael Akinirun, and Orimisan Adelokiki, but to see that the root cause of their agitation is handled in the best interest of the public,” he wrote. “It is in the best interest of justice, the reputation of your office, and the constitutional rights we all hold dear that this matter be resolved through their immediate release, not through continued detention and prosecution.”
The letter stands as a powerful appeal for justice, urging the Ondo State government to act swiftly in defense of the Ikale people’s rights and democratic values.
