‘Dare to Call Tinubu Criminal in Ojota, Oshodi Parks’, Wike’s Aide Mocks Sowore After Ekiti Incident

‘Dare to Call Tinubu Criminal in Ojota, Oshodi Parks’, Wike’s Aide Mocks Sowore After Ekiti Incident

A media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has taken a swipe at African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore following the reported attack on the activist and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Wike, reportedly challenged Sowore to demonstrate his willingness to criticise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos motor parks, particularly Ojota, Obalende and Oshodi, which he associated with the President’s political influence.

In a headline published by Daily Post on Sunday, November 1, Olayinka was quoted as daring the activist to call Tinubu a criminal in the three locations.

The reported remarks came amid controversy over the incident involving Sowore and his associates at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti on Friday, October 30.

Sowore had raised the alarm on social media, alleging that armed men attacked him and members of his team shortly after he participated in a radio interview in the state capital. He also accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of providing the attackers with information about his location and alleged that the assailants had links to the Ekiti State Government.

The activist initially reported that he had been kidnapped and that his whereabouts were unknown, prompting concerns among his supporters and members of the public.

However, the Ekiti State Police Command disputed the kidnapping claim, saying preliminary information indicated that Sowore and some individuals had been involved in an altercation at a restaurant. The command said its operatives responded to a distress call, rescued those involved and took Sowore to the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for treatment after he sustained an injury.

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Sowore rejected the police description of the incident as an altercation, insisting that he and his associates were attacked by armed men. He also accused the police of downplaying the seriousness of the incident.

The controversy took another turn on Saturday when the police announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident. According to the command, operatives of its Rapid Response Squad arrested the suspects at their hideout in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti at about 10pm on Friday.

The police said items recovered during the operation included two walkie-talkies, 13 mobile phones, seven ATM cards, two vehicle keys, a flash drive, a mobile internet device and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.

The suspects were taken into custody as investigations continued to establish their individual roles, determine their possible connections with the incident and identify other persons who might have been involved.

The Ekiti State Government also denied allegations linking it to the incident. In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, the government said it had no involvement and urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.

Sowore has continued to demand accountability, arguing that the arrest of suspected participants would not be sufficient if those who allegedly planned, financed or coordinated the attack were not identified.

Against this background, Olayinka’s reported comments have added a political dimension to the controversy, drawing attention to the longstanding exchanges between supporters of the Tinubu administration and critics of the President.

Sowore has remained an outspoken critic of the Federal Government, frequently challenging its policies and demanding accountability from public officials. His criticism of the administration has also attracted sharp reactions from political figures and government supporters.

The reported reference to Ojota, Obalende and Oshodi is particularly significant because the locations are associated with prominent transport and commercial activities in Lagos. Olayinka’s reported challenge appeared to question whether Sowore would make similar remarks about Tinubu in those public spaces.

The development has renewed discussions about political tolerance, freedom of expression and the safety of opposition figures and activists who openly criticise government officials.

While political disagreements and sharp exchanges are part of democratic engagement, concerns remain over the use of intimidation, threats or violence against people expressing dissenting views.

The investigation into the Ado-Ekiti incident is ongoing, and the allegations against the arrested suspects have yet to be established in court.