A prominent community leader and political chieftain, Chief Elijah Olorunsuwa, has broken his silence following his arrest by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, describing the action as an illegal act of state-sponsored intimidation aimed at settling political scores.
In a formal statement released shortly after regaining his freedom, Chief Olorunsuwa revealed that heavily armed police officers invaded his private residence in Ilorin at approximately 5:30 am. He alleged that the arrest was executed on the direct orders of a political appointee, Jerry Omodara, following a post he shared on WhatsApp regarding the rehabilitation of the Olle-Iluke Road.
According to the chieftain, the petition and subsequent dawn raid were calculated attempts to silence his unrelenting support for the lawmaker representing Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi, and to instill fear among citizens advocating for accountability in governance. He described the move as an arbitrary display of authority by an overzealous appointee desperate to convince his superiors of political dominance.
Expressing profound gratitude to members of the public and key political figures who raised their voices against the arrest, Olorunsuwa noted that the swift public outrage proved that citizens can triumph over the abuse of state apparatus. He extended personal appreciation to high-profile leaders who intervened on his behalf, including Senator Sunday Karimi, Hon. Duro Meseko, Dr. Elebiyo Joseph, Prof. Omotola, Engr. Ibishaga, Chief Monday Job Sesere Job, Chief Dare Yomi Johnson, Pastor Timi Aroniyo, Hon. James Faleke, Engr. George-Olumoroti Olusola Olumoroti, Prince Jibowu Mosiko, and Mr. Segun Olusegun Iselaiye, as well as several traditional rulers whose names were withheld.
The community leader also singled out courageous youths from the Okun nation, acknowledging activists such as Anjie Nishola Kinrin, Ejiwumi Omolade Tobi, Mikky Oladapo, Cephas Alepa, Jeremaiah Godwin, and Sunday Aliu. He commended them for resisting intimidation, exposing the undemocratic action to the public, and playing pivotal roles in securing his prompt release.
Reaffirming his political stance despite the ordeal, Chief Olorunsuwa declared that no amount of persecution would weaken his resolve to advocate for equity, justice, and democratic principles in Kogi State. He vowed to remain steadfast in speaking truth to power, maintaining his commitment to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Sunday Karimi.
Concluding his statement, Olorunsuwa emphasized that his passion for justice remains intact, insisting that the movement for power rotation to Kogi West ahead of the 2027 governorship election is an unalterable agenda that will continue unabated.
