Oyedele Hakeem Alao, a leader in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has expressed his disappointment over the arrest of 12 protesters in Ibadan. The protesters, who are mechanics, had accused Governor Seyi Makinde of illegal land grabbing.

The individuals were arrested after their peaceful protest and have since been sent to the Agodi Correctional Centre. They now face charges of defamation and issuing threats against the governor.

In a statement released on Monday, Alao criticized the arrests, calling the situation unfortunate and a sign of authoritarian governance. He argued that protesting peacefully should not result in arrests and prosecution, adding that such actions undermine democratic principles.

Alao pointed out that previous governors in Oyo State faced public criticism without resorting to suppressing peaceful protests. He urged Governor Makinde to respect the rights of citizens to freely express their grievances.

The controversy has drawn attention to the handling of protests and dissent in Oyo State, with many questioning the balance between governance and citizens’ rights. Alao’s remarks have added fuel to the ongoing debate about the role of democracy and free speech in the state.