Condemnation of Unlawful Arrest and Detention of Orimisan Adelokiki and Demand for Okitipupa Oil Palm Company’s Immediate Vacation of Ikale Land.
I, Babatunde Kuye, General Secretary of the Ondo State Youth Network, strongly condemn the recent arrest and detention of Orimisan Adelokiki, a prominent advocate for the rights of the Ikale people. Adelokiki’s unlawful detention without trial for weeks is a blatant attempt to silence his advocacy for justice and fairness in the treatment of the Ikale community by the Okitipupa Oil Palm Company (OOPC).
The Ikale people have long suffered from OOPC’s illegal occupation and exploitation of their land, particularly in Ikoya, without fulfilling its obligations or providing benefits to the community. The company’s actions are in direct contravention of a 1988 Supreme Court judgment ordering OOPC to vacate Ikoya.
I demand the immediate release of Orimisan Adelokiki and call on the authorities to respect the rule of law and uphold human rights. Furthermore, I insist that OOPC vacate Ikoya and all other parts of Ikale land with immediate effect, respecting the rights and dignity of the Ikale people.
I urge His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa of Ondo State, to intervene in this matter urgently to prevent further escalation and potential unrest. As the chief security officer of the state, it is imperative that he takes immediate action to address the grievances of the Ikale people and ensure that justice is served.
I assure that the youth and good people of Ikale will take necessary actions to protect their rights. I implore the Governor to act swiftly to avoid any breakdown of law and order.
I stand in solidarity with Adelokiki and the Ikale community, and I will continue to advocate for their rights and interests. I urge all stakeholders to join me in demanding justice and fairness for the Ikale people.
Signed,
Babatunde Kuye
General Secretary, Ondo State Youth Network