Prominent activist and former AAC candidate in Oworonshoki, Ishola Rauf Shina (ShiNeNe), has publicly raised alarm over an alleged conspiracy involving the Oba of Oworonshoki, Oba Babatunde Saliu, and Lagos State Police authorities, claiming that efforts are being made to abduct him and other community activists resisting controversial demolitions.
In a detailed statement to the media, ShiNeNe said he received credible information that Inspector Itoro, under the supervision of CSP Onajide Olabode Samuel, and local security operatives led by Sadam Arogundade, along with some unidentified local thugs, are reportedly tracking his movements and plotting to forcibly remove him from Lagos.
“This plan, however it may seem, is an act of suppression against dissenting voices, freedom of movement, and expression,” ShiNeNe said. “The constitution guarantees us freedom of expression and association, and these are meant to be used for the betterment of our society.”
ShiNeNe described the situation as part of a broader pattern of intimidation against residents and activists peacefully opposing what he described as illegal and disruptive demolition exercises in Oworonshoki.
He called on the Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to recognize that democratic principles must prevail to ensure justice. He emphasized:
• Peaceful advocacy is not a crime.
• No citizen, including myself, should be threatened or silenced for speaking up for their community.
• Adequate compensation and resettlement plans must be provided for affected residents, particularly women and out-of-school children.
• Immediate release of the truck and DJ sets seized during our November protest by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh Moshood.
ShiNeNe warned that any attempt to suppress lawful dissent constitutes an attack on democratic principles and citizens’ rights, and stressed that his statement serves as a public alert: “If at any point my communication ceases abruptly or my whereabouts become unknown, let it be known that I had previously raised concerns regarding threats to my safety.”
The activist reaffirmed his commitment to justice, transparency, and the protection of the rights of Oworonshoki residents, urging media, civil society, and human rights organizations to take urgent notice of the alleged intimidation and potential abuse of power.