Lawyer Tope Temokun Esq. has urgently urged the Ondo State government to step in and stop the alleged detention of three anti-Okitipupa Oil Palm Company PLC (OOPL) campaigners through Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Kayode Ajulo SAN in a letter. The activists, Orimisan Adelokiki, Rachael Akinirun, and Bose Loyinmi-Ogunlowo, were reportedly arrested for demonstrating against what they say is an illegal corporate invasion on the traditional territory of the Ikale people.
In his letter, “On the Ikale 3: A Release That Justice Demands,” Temokun accuses the state government of allowing OOPL to target the activists and repress dissent through public institutions. The letter highlights how urgently the Attorney General must secure their release and resolve the divisive land issue in a diplomatic and peaceful manner.
The lawyer characterized the three activists as brave protectors of their community’s land and constitutional rights and accused the OOPL of using state apparatus to profile and imprison them. According to Temokun, the arrests are an abuse of governmental authority meant to stifle opposition and erode democratic values.
Temokun stated, “Ondo State is at the intersection of oppression and justice today; what some have framed as a simple land dispute between a corporation and locals is actually a profound test of our constitutional values and the very essence of democratic governance.”
Asserting that the activists’ only transgression was expressing their constitutionally protected rights to free speech and peaceful assembly under Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, the letter voiced alarm about their ongoing arrest.
Temokun stressed the moral and legal obligation of his office to defend the constitutional rights of all citizens and encouraged the Attorney-General to act swiftly. He cautioned that letting corporate interests dictate public policy would damage the government’s standing and erode public confidence.
He added, “The power bank of corporate interests is the intimidation of citizens through arrest and detention, deployed at the slightest challenge to frighten and silence dissenting voices and community advocates.” “Your office should not be associated with such tactics, given its proud traditions and sacred duty to uphold social justice and the rule of law, regardless of whose ox is gored.”
The attorney also underlined the state government’s position’s wider ramifications, warning that the administration’s handling of the matter will be used to assess it in the future. Temokun presented the activists’ incarceration as a benchmark for the Attorney General’s dedication to justice and constitutional rights. He urged Ajulo to refrain from putting the interests of corporations ahead of those of its own people, arguing that the government’s actions in this matter will determine its legacy.
Temokun declared, “The Ikale people cannot stage any protest that should lead to detention, particularly in a matter that has both communal, judicial, and civic content.” “Any responsible government should never permit itself to be perceived as supporting private interests at the expense of a populace.” Additionally, he asked the Attorney-General to consider carefully why the activists are still being held and whether it is consistent with justice principles.
Temokun called for a peaceful settlement of the underlying land conflict and the quick release of the activists who had been jailed as he wrapped up his letter. He emphasized how crucial it is to handle the case in a way that upholds the Attorney-General’s office’s reputation, prioritizes justice, and protects constitutional rights.
In addition to facilitating the release of Bose Loyinmi-Ogunlowo, Rachael Akinirun, and Orimisan Adelokiki, he wrote, “I implore you, sir, to give this issue careful thought and to act immediately to ensure that the underlying cause of their agitation is addressed in the public interest.” “Releasing them right away, rather than continuing to detain and prosecute them, is the best course of action for justice, your office’s reputation, and the constitutional rights that we all cherish.”
The letter is a potent plea for justice, imploring the administration of Ondo State to take immediate action to protect the rights and democratic principles of the Ikale people.
