A former Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor and All Progressives Congress candidate for the Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, Dr Oluwatoyin Emmanuel Taiwo, has condemned the alleged killing of Owolabi Oniyiku at a police checkpoint along the Atan-Ita/Ifonyintedo axis of Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Taiwo described the incident as “condemnable and very sad,” calling for an urgent, transparent, and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
Oniyiku was reportedly shot at a police checkpoint, a development that triggered tension across the community and led to the burning of two police stations by aggrieved youths.
While condemning the killing, Taiwo also condemned the destruction of police facilities, stressing that neither alleged abuse of power nor public anger should lead to further loss of lives or destruction of property.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police to immediately get to the root of the matter, identify the officers involved, and take appropriate action where wrongdoing is established.
Taiwo said, “The circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Owolabi Oniyiku must be thoroughly investigated and the truth established. If any police officer is found to have acted unlawfully, such an officer must face the full force of the law,”.
He noted that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, particularly against the backdrop of concerns among residents of border communities over alleged harassment and unprofessional conduct by some security personnel.
Taiwo urged police authorities to review security checkpoints and operations along Ipokia border corridors, noting that while such measures are necessary to protect lives and property, they must operate within the law and under clearly defined rules of engagement. He stated that legitimate motorists, commercial motorcyclists, and residents should be able to move freely without fear of harassment, intimidation, or extortion.
The politician expressed concern over reports suggesting that the incident was not isolated, noting that allegations of previous police-related killings in the area made it necessary for the authorities to determine whether systemic problems required immediate intervention.
He appealed to youths and residents of Ifonyintedo and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions.
He said, “Violence cannot be the answer to an alleged abuse of power, just as alleged misconduct by security personnel cannot be excused because of the difficult security environment in which they operate,”.
Taiwo sympathised with the bereaved family, particularly the deceased's wife and newborn child, describing the circumstances surrounding the death as devastating. He urged community leaders, traditional institutions, youth groups, and security agencies to collaborate to restore peace and confidence across the affected areas.
He also called on police authorities to communicate transparently with the deceased's family and the community regarding the progress and outcome of the investigation to restore public trust.
Taiwo maintained that there must be no cover-up or impunity, stressing that officers who perform their duties professionally should be protected while anyone who violates the law is held accountable.
He said, “Mr. Oniyiku’s family deserves justice. The people of Ifonyintedo deserve answers, and the authorities must ensure that the truth is established,”.
He urged all stakeholders to pursue justice through constitutional and peaceful channels, emphasizing that the sanctity of human life remains paramount and that residents of Ipokia should not live in fear that ordinary travel on their roads could turn fatal.
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