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Osun Lawyer Raises Alarm, Petitions U.S. Embassy Over Wole Oke’s Comments
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Osun Lawyer Raises Alarm, Petitions U.S. Embassy Over Wole Oke’s Comments
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
A legal practitioner from Osun State, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has petitioned the United States Embassy in Nigeria over alleged threatening remarks made by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Wole Oke, in a viral video circulating on social media.
Olajengbesi, an indigene of Oriade Local Government Area, said he was compelled to act in view of what he described as a matter of urgent public importance, warning that the statement could undermine electoral integrity and endanger lives ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
In the petition, he drew attention to a video delivered in Yoruba and widely shared online, in which the lawmaker was quoted as saying, “Eni to ba n se nkan mi yato si ti Bola Ahmed Tinubu ba wa, oye ki o toju ara re. Ohun ta ba ri ko fara mo o, a o ni so ju be lo ibi ti are wa ni awa wa.
”Translated, the statement reads, “Anyone acting differently from where Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands with us should be careful. Whatever happens to such a person, he should accept it. We will not say more than that wherever the President stands, that is where we stand.
”Olajengbesi argued that the remarks, in context, amount to a veiled threat directed at residents of Osun State who do not share the lawmaker’s political position. He stated, “The statement is capable of inciting fear, intimidation and a potential breakdown of law and order ahead of the election.
”He further noted that such comments could discourage voters from freely exercising their constitutional rights. According to him, “This kind of language raises serious concerns about intimidation, coercion and the possibility of electoral violence.”
The petitioner also expressed concern that the statement appears to reinforce earlier suggestions allegedly attributed to the lawmaker regarding the possible militarisation of the election, warning that utterances of that nature by a public office holder could embolden unlawful actors.Citing the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Olajengbesi stressed that citizens are guaranteed the rights to freedom of expression, association and political participation without intimidation or threat.
He said the petition was submitted to the U.S. Embassy to draw the attention of international stakeholders to what he described as an early warning sign ahead of the Osun governorship poll.
Among other requests, he urged the embassy to take note of the development, encourage relevant Nigerian authorities to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a free, fair and intimidation free environment, and continue to support efforts aimed at promoting democratic accountability and peaceful political participation.
“This petition is made in good faith and in the interest of preserving peace, protecting democratic values and ensuring that no citizen is intimidated or coerced in the exercise of their constitutional rights,” he added.
