Security Operatives Allegedly Lay Siege To Senator Oyewumi’s Residence In Ikire

•Lawmaker Condemns Action, Vows To Resist Intimidation 

The residence of the Director General of the Imole Campaign Council and lawmaker representing Osun West, Senator Lere Oyewumi, was in the early hours of Friday allegedly laid under siege by security operatives.

According to a statement by Oyewumi’s media unit, the siege occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. at the lawmaker’s Ikire home, with about 10 Hilux vehicles deployed in what it called a blatant bid to effect an arrest.

The statement described the operation as a calculated show of force meant to instil fear and suppress a leader who has steadfastly stood for the people, adding that it was not an act of lawful governance.

The Senator’s office demanded transparency on the operation, asking for immediate and transparent answers regarding the legal authority, official justification, and command behind such a massive state deployment.

“If this raid was indeed a legitimate operation, the public deserves immediate and transparent answers regarding the legal authority, official justification, and command behind such a massive state deployment,” it stated.

The statement also linked the incident to the ongoing political tension in Osun ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, alleging that some people were hell-bent on tarnishing the good intentions of Mr President on Osun election.

It, however, vowed that intimidation would not break the senator.

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“Intimidation will never break Senator Lere Oyewumi, pressure will not silence him, and a reckless show of force will not defeat his resolve,” the statement added.

The Senator’s office urged residents of Ikire to remain fearless, resolute, and completely undeterred by these state-sponsored tactics and to come out en masse to vote on Saturday.

It further called on Civil Society Organisations, human rights groups and the international community to take note of this escalation of political persecution and hold those responsible to account.

“Democracy can not survive when state machinery is hijacked to suppress opposition leaders and terrorise communities. Senator Lere Kamorudeen Oyewumi remains standing, resolute and fearless, alongside the people whose mandate he carries,” the statement concluded.