Oyo Governor’s Aide, Olojede Denies Allegations of Violence During Protest Over Abducted Students
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Victor Dideoluwa Olojede, has denied allegations that he threatened protesters with a firearm or ordered attacks on demonstrators during protests over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State.
Olojede, in a statement made available to journalists, described the allegations as false and an attempt to tarnish his reputation, insisting that he had played a mediatory role throughout the protests and remained committed to the safe return of the abducted students.
The governor’s aide said the past two weeks had been emotionally challenging following the abduction of the students, adding that he had actively supported efforts aimed at securing their release and ensuring that protests over the incident remained peaceful.
According to him, he joined protesters on Monday as they marched from Mokola through Agodi Gate and Total Garden to the Oyo State Government Secretariat, where he engaged demonstrators and encouraged them to maintain order.
He claimed that during the protest, he intervened to prevent attacks on commercial motorcyclists and other road users who were attempting to pass through the area, warning protesters against acts of violence and intimidation.
Olojede also disclosed that he persuaded demonstrators to allow a truck transporting gas cylinders to pass through the blockade, citing safety concerns and the risk of a possible explosion.
He further stated that his intervention contributed to the reopening of roads around 2 p.m. on Monday, adding that he remained at the protest ground throughout the exercise and even provided bottled water for some participants.
Speaking on events that occurred on Tuesday, June 2, Olojede said leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) visited the State Secretariat to present their concerns to Governor Makinde over the abduction.
According to him, after meeting with the governor, NANS leaders proceeded to Orire Local Government Area in Ogbomoso to visit affected schools and sympathise with families of the abducted students, while he accompanied the delegation in his capacity as SSA on Students’ Affairs.
He alleged that while the convoy stopped at a filling station to refuel vehicles conveying hundreds of students, a confrontation broke out between some protesters and NANS leaders over demands that the student body join a road blockade.
Olojede claimed that the disagreement escalated when another group of protesters allegedly attacked students with sticks and stones, prompting the student leaders to defend themselves.
He maintained that throughout the incident, he worked to separate the parties, calm tensions and encourage students to leave the area to avoid injuries.
The governor’s aide also said he assisted a female protester in recovering a camera that had been seized during the commotion, which he said demonstrated his neutrality.
Reacting to allegations that he brandished a firearm and ordered attacks on protesters, Olojede dismissed the claims as baseless.
“I have never held a firearm in my life, let alone threatened anyone with one,” he said.
He condemned the circulation of his telephone number and the threats allegedly directed at him, arguing that those making the accusations had failed to provide evidence to support their claims.
Olojede urged Nigerians to uphold the principle of fair hearing and avoid rushing to judgment, stressing that allegations should be substantiated with proof.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice, peace and advocacy for the safe return of the abducted students.
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