The Senior Special Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Victor Dideoluwa Olojede, has denied allegations that he threatened protesters with a firearm or ordered attacks on demonstrators during recent protests over the abduction of students in the state.
Olojede, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said he had been actively involved in efforts to support calls for the safe return of the students who were abducted about two weeks ago, stressing that he shares the concerns of Nigerians and the affected families.
The governor’s aide explained that he participated in the protest held on Monday, accompanying demonstrators from Mokola through Agodi Gate and Total Garden to the entrance of the Oyo State Government Secretariat. According to him, his role throughout the protest was to ensure order and prevent violence.
He alleged that when some protesters began harassing commercial motorcyclists and other road users, including elderly persons attempting to pass through the protest route, he intervened and urged them to remain peaceful. He also claimed responsibility for persuading protesters to allow a truck transporting gas cylinders to continue its journey, warning that any incident involving the vehicle could have resulted in a disaster.
“I stood with the protesters because I am equally concerned about the abducted children and the future of our nation. My intervention also contributed to the reopening of the roads at about 2 p.m. on Monday,” he said.
Olojede further disclosed that he provided bottled water for some of the protesters in an effort to help maintain calm during the demonstration.
The governor’s aide also recounted events that occurred on June 2 when leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) visited the State Secretariat to present their concerns to Governor Seyi Makinde over the abduction.
According to him, after meeting with the governor, NANS officials proceeded to Orire Local Government Area in Ogbomoso to visit the affected schools and sympathize with the families of the victims. Olojede said he joined the delegation in his capacity as SSA on Students’ Affairs.
He alleged that while the convoy stopped at a filling station to refuel, a group of protesters confronted the student leaders and demanded they join a road blockade. He claimed the situation later escalated when another group allegedly attacked students with sticks and stones after the NANS leadership declined to participate in the blockade.
Olojede maintained that he played a mediatory role during the confrontation, separating the opposing groups and urging students to leave the area to avoid injuries.
He also stated that he assisted one of the demonstrators in recovering a camera that had been seized during the confusion, describing the action as evidence of his neutrality throughout the protest.
Responding to allegations circulating on social media, Olojede strongly denied claims that he brandished a firearm or directed anyone to assault protesters.
“I have never held a firearm in my life, let alone pointed one at anyone. The allegations against me are completely false and are intended to tarnish my image,” he said.
The governor’s aide expressed concern over what he described as attempts to incite threats against him through the circulation of his personal phone number, adding that those making the allegations should provide evidence to substantiate their claims.
While thanking Nigerians who gave him an opportunity to explain his position, Olojede reiterated his commitment to justice, peaceful advocacy and the safe return of the abducted students.
He urged members of the public to uphold the principles of fairness and due process, noting that every individual deserves the right to be heard before conclusions are drawn.
