By Seyifunmi Odunuga
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao), has described the arrest and prosecution of 12 residents who accused Governor Seyi Makinde of illegally acquiring their land as undemocratic.
Alao in a statement by his media office, condemned the actions of the governor, stating that they amount to dictatorial behaviour.
He said, “It is very unfortunate that 12 residents, including a 71-year-old man, are currently being remanded in Agodi prison over a protest where they accused Governor Makinde of illegally acquiring their land. 
“These residents have been charged with ‘treasonable felony,’ despite the fact that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows for peaceful protest.”
The Asiwaju of Irokoland questioned why a peaceful protest over allegations of illegal land acquisition could lead to such serious charges.
“Whenever people gather to protest, they do so because they are angry about certain issues. They may express their grievances in various ways. 
“A responsive government should address their concerns rather than orchestrate arrests. If President Bola Tinubu had arrested Nigerians for daily criticism, all would have been imprisoned today”, he stated.
He reminded the Governor that previous officeholders faced criticism without resorting to arresting peaceful protesters.
“It is no longer a secret that the government is selling public assets, including libraries and motor parks, to private interests. Today, over 200,000 residents may be displaced due to land acquisitions for private estates. 
“The 500-meter setback for the Circular Road project remains a serious concern for those affected”, Alao added.
He emphasized that the position of governor requires the occupier to accept criticism. “I call on the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; former Governors of Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo.
“And Oba Rashidi Ladoja; and other Royal Obas and Elders in Ibadanland to appeal to the Governor to please show mercy towards the 12 arrested residents, among whom is a 71-year-old man”, he said.
