The governor of Ondo State has confirmed that the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, was arrested and detained with other activists who were on the wanted list of the police.
According to Aiyedatiwa, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communication, Allen Sowore, the police had begun the profiling of the suspects who were arrested during Day 10 of the #EndBadGovernance protest in Akure, Ondo State capital.
Sowore stated that his boss never ordered the arrest of the governorship candidate or the protesters, as he kicked against the move to politicise the arrest.
He said: “Ondo State Governor, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa, wishes to address the misconceptions surrounding the arrest and detention of Mr Kunle Ajayi, the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa was not informed of the arrest until the evening of August 10, 2024, when he was briefed by security chiefs about the situation.
“The governor learnt that some criminal elements had hijacked the protest marking the 10th day of the #EndBadGovernance protest. The police are responsible for maintaining law and order and ensuring the security of life and property, which is their constitutional duty.
“Therefore, it is incorrect and politically motivated to link the governor to the arrest of the AAC governorship candidate. The governor was informed that Mr. Ajayi was detained alongside known suspects on the police’s wanted list.
“The police are tasked with conducting preliminary investigations or profiling of arrested individuals, and they will follow appropriate procedures based on their findings. As the Chief Security Officer of the state, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains committed to prioritising the rights, safety, and well-being of the people, irrespective of their tribes, religious, and political inclinations.”
