The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Oyo State on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Victor Dideoluwa Olojede, has dismissed allegations linking him to acts of violence during recent protests over the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that his role throughout the demonstrations was focused on maintaining peace and ensuring public safety.
In a statement titled “Setting The Record Straight: My Commitment To Peaceful Advocacy And Truth,” Olojede said he felt compelled to address what he described as misinformation surrounding his conduct during the protests held in the state over the past two days.
According to him, he actively participated in Monday’s protest from Mokola to the Oyo State Government Secretariat, where he worked to prevent the demonstration from descending into chaos.
He explained that he intervened on several occasions to discourage the harassment of commuters, including elderly citizens and commercial motorcyclists, while also helping to avert a potential disaster by persuading protesters to allow a truck transporting filled gas cylinders to pass through the area.
Olojede further stated that through direct engagement and negotiations with protesters, normal traffic flow was restored by 2:00 p.m. He added that he also provided water to demonstrators as part of efforts to keep them calm and focused on the cause.
The Governor’s aide noted that on Tuesday, following a meeting between Governor Seyi Makinde and leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), he joined a delegation of student leaders on a visit to Ogbomoso to meet with families affected by the abduction.
He recounted that while refueling during the trip, members of the delegation encountered individuals demanding that they join a road blockade, leading to an altercation.
According to Olojede, he intervened as a mediator when tensions escalated and some protesters allegedly became physically aggressive toward student leaders.
“I acted as a peacemaker, separating the parties to prevent injuries and ensuring the safety of everyone involved,” he said, adding that he also helped recover a seized camera belonging to one of the participants.
Addressing allegations that he brandished a firearm and directed violence against protesters, Olojede categorically denied the claims.
“I have never held a firearm in my life, nor have I ever condoned or ordered violence against any individual,” he stated.
He described the allegations as malicious and unfounded, expressing disappointment that individuals advocating for justice would resort to what he termed misinformation, incitement, and threats.
The SSA also condemned the circulation of his personal phone number on social media, describing it as an attempt to encourage harassment and undermine both his office and personal reputation.
Despite the controversy, Olojede reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the safe return of the abducted students and teachers, emphasizing that peaceful engagement remains the most effective path toward achieving justice and lasting solutions.
He called on members of the public to remain focused on the primary objective of securing the release of the victims and supporting their families during the difficult period.
“I remain committed to the safe return of our students and to the peaceful progress of our state,” he concluded.
