Makinde’s Aide Olojede Denies Allegations of Violence During Protest Over Abducted Students

…As he recounts his role during protests and dismisses accusations of intimidation and violence.

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Oyo State Governor on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Victor Dideoluwa Olojede, has denied allegations that he threatened protesters with a firearm or ordered attacks on demonstrators during recent protests over the abduction of students in Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Olojede said he had actively participated in efforts aimed at supporting the campaign for the safe return of students who were reportedly abducted about two weeks ago.

According to him, he joined protesters on Monday as they marched from Mokola through Agodi Gate and Total Garden to the Oyo State Government Secretariat.

He said he worked to ensure that the protest remained peaceful and orderly.

Olojede claimed that he intervened on several occasions to prevent protesters from harassing commercial motorcyclists and other commuters attempting to pass through blocked routes.

He also stated that he persuaded demonstrators to allow a truck carrying filled gas cylinders to continue its journey, citing safety concerns.

The governor’s aide further said his intervention contributed to the reopening of roads around 2 p.m. on Monday.

He added that he provided bottled water to some protesters during the demonstration.

Speaking on events of June 2, 2026, Olojede said leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) visited the Oyo State Government Secretariat to present their concerns to Governor Seyi Makinde regarding the abduction incident.

Following the meeting, he said the NANS leadership proceeded to Orire Local Government Area in Ogbomoso to visit affected schools and families of the abducted students.

Olojede said he accompanied the delegation in his capacity as SSA on Students’ Affairs.

He alleged that while the convoy stopped at a filling station to refuel, a confrontation occurred between a group of protesters and NANS leaders after the protesters reportedly demanded that the student leaders join a road blockade.

According to Olojede, the NANS delegation declined, citing a pre-arranged itinerary.

The situation reportedly escalated when another group arrived at the scene, leading to clashes involving sticks and stones.

Olojede said he attempted to separate the parties and encouraged students to leave the area to avoid injuries.

He also stated that he was assisted a female protester in recovering a camera that had allegedly been seized during the incident.

Addressing allegations circulating on social media, Olojede denied claims that he brandished a firearm or directed violence against protesters.

“I have never held a firearm, let alone thought of harming anyone,” he said, describing the allegations as false and an attempt to damage his reputation.

He also criticized individuals who allegedly shared his phone number publicly, claiming the action exposed him to threats and harassment.
Olojede called for fairness and due process, stressing that accusations should be supported by evidence.

The protests were sparked by public concern over the abduction of students in Oyo State, with civil society groups, labour unions, student bodies and concerned residents demanding urgent action from authorities to secure the victims’ release.

Authorities have yet to publicly respond to the allegations and counter-allegations arising from the protest-related incidents.