The Aare Bobatolu of Ire Ekiti, Chief Oluwafemi Osasuyi, has appealed to security authorities to release Chief Tayo Alabi, who was reportedly arrested and detained by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Nigeria Police Force.
Chief Alabi was said to have been arrested on Tuesday over allegations linked to comments he allegedly made concerning what he described as the lack of support by Governor Biodun Oyebanji for Ire Ekiti-born politician, Bimbo Daramola, during the recently concluded APC House of Representatives primary election. He was later arraigned before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court on a charge of alleged stealing and subsequently remanded.
Reacting to the development, Chief Osasuyi expressed concern over the arrest and subsequent detention of Chief Alabi, describing the situation as unfortunate and capable of creating tension within the community.
He urged the relevant authorities to ensure Chief Alabi’s release while allowing due process to take its course, stressing that every citizen has the constitutional right to express opinions on political matters without fear of intimidation or harassment.
Chief Osasuyi also called for a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the allegations against Chief Alabi to establish the facts and ensure that justice is served.
According to him, democracy flourishes when citizens are free to express their views and participate in political discussions within the ambit of the law.
The community leader further urged security agencies to exercise professionalism, fairness, and restraint in handling politically sensitive matters while safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
Chief Osasuyi appealed to residents and stakeholders in Ire Ekiti to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, expressing confidence that the truth would emerge through due process and that justice would ultimately prevail.