PRESS STATEMENT
03/10/2025
Police Must Stop Being Tools of Oppression in Oworonshoki
The Take It Back (TIB) Movement strongly condemns the ongoing acts of intimidation and harassment being perpetrated by the Nigeria Police Force, Oworonshoki Division, against residents who have stood at the forefront of resisting the unlawful demolitions and oppressive actions in Oworonshoki, Lagos State.
We have been reliably informed by one of our organisers, Prince Opeyemi Benjamin Ogunlami, that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Alonge Police Division, Oworonshoki, has been making repeated attempts to lure him and some residents into the station under a trumped-up allegation of “threat to life.”
This is nothing but a calculated ploy to silence dissenting voices and suppress the people’s legitimate demand for justice.
The Nigeria Police must be reminded that its constitutional duty is to maintain peace, ensure order, and protect the rights of citizens, not to act as enforcers for monarchs or political oppressors.
It is deeply unacceptable that both the Alonge Police Division and Ogudu Police Division have a documented history of colluding with the Oba of Oworonshoki, particularly in 2023, when residents protesting his excesses were unlawfully arrested and intimidated. The same repressive tactics are now being deployed once again.
Let it be categorically stated that we will not bow to intimidation. We will resist every attempt to stifle our voices through all legal and democratic means available.
The TIB Movement stands firmly with the people of Oworonshoki in their struggle for justice, dignity, and liberation.
We hereby warn the Nigeria Police to immediately desist from this shameful campaign of harassment.
Any further attempt to witch-hunt our organisers will not go unanswered. We hold the DPO of Alonge Police Division personally responsible for any harm that may befall our comrades.
Signed:
Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeeq
Coordinator, Lagos State
Take It Back Movement
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