An Ondo state born legal practitioner and public affairs commentator, Barrister Sola Ajisafe has raised concerns over the security situation in Ondo state, challenging recent remarks by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa regarding the level of safety across the state.
Ajisafe, in a public communication addressed to the governor, questioned the government’s assessment of the state’s security situation, arguing that recent incidents across several communities suggest a more troubling reality.
The lawyer noted that while he appreciated the governor’s openness on some governance issues during the recent media engagement, particularly discussions around tourism development and the Eba Island dispute, he expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response to questions relating to security.
According to him, multiple incidents of kidnappings, killings and attacks on residents and farmers have been recorded across different parts of the state since the governor assumed office in December 2023. He argued that these occurrences reflect broader security challenges that require urgent attention and a more empathetic response from the government.
Ajisafe further stressed that leadership requires transparency and sensitivity to the concerns of citizens, especially in matters involving the protection of lives and property.
He called for a more proactive and coordinated response to the situation, urging authorities to acknowledge the concerns of residents and intensify efforts to tackle violent crimes affecting communities across the state.
The lawyer also maintained that public confidence in governance is strengthened when leaders openly engage with realities on the ground while demonstrating commitment to addressing them.
The statement reads:
March 6, 2026
Ondo State Government,
Akure, Ondo State.
INSECURITY IN ONDO STATE: FACT VS FICTION
Upon seeing the promo for your Media Chat, I anticipated a forthright discussion. Instead, your claims on security contradicted alarming reports of kidnappings and killings.
I acknowledge your forthrightness on the Eba Island dispute and admission of limited progress on tourism. However, your responses on security, Congress, and stakeholders' meeting lacked truth and empathy.
Since December 27, 2023 when you were sworn in as our governor numerous incidents have been documented, including the following few that I could remember and that are proximate to me:
1. 7 travellers abducted on Benin-Owo highway (February 4, 2025)
2. Health worker Akinola Oyabiyi shot dead near Akure Airport (February 14, 2025)
3. Afenifere Youth Council President Prince Eniola Ojajuni kidnapped (February 17, 2025)
4. A young man from Oka kidnapped between Sosan-Ifira Akoko (2025)
5. Former PDP Councillor Ward 5, Ikese Oka Akoko, kidnapped and another shot dead around Araromi in Ikun Akoko (October 2025)
6. DCO of Isua Akoko kidnapped with family (December 2025)
7. Man killed by herders in Uba/Simerin Oka Akoko (2025)
8. Farmer's crops destroyed by herders at Owena Dam, Igbara-Oke (2024/2025)
9. Farmers' protests with corpses at Governor's office and NEPA roundabout (2025)
10. Killings and kidnappings in Iluabo, Akure North, with road blockades by youths (2026)
11. Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun, Alagamo of Agamo, killed by gunmen (February 19, 2026)
12. A young man of Oka extraction kidnapped along Sosan/Ifira.on his way to Oka for Igoke Agba ( 2025)
These incidents show a pattern of insecurity, contradicting your claim of isolated cases. Sir, leadership requires truthfulness and compassion.
Your response to questions showed a lack of situational awareness, implying incompetence or disrespect to the people. Sometimes it is filled with false narratives, historical revisionism and factual inexactitude.
By God's grace we will endure the last three years of your governorship as we looking forward to a new dawn of peace and harmony in our party and State.
Sola Ajisafe, Esq
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