Tani Olohun: Nobody Is Above the Law, But Nobody Should Be Subjected to It Outside Due Process — Ewenla

…As he Backs Tani Olohun, Defends Freedom of Conscience and Religious Expression

Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Adedipe Dauda Ewenla has declared his support for Tani Olohun, urging authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure that every Nigerian enjoys equal protection under the Constitution.

Ewenla, in a statement, commended the Oyo State Commissioner of Police for what he described as a responsible and professional handling of the attempted arrest of Olohun in Ibadan.

According to him, the Oyo State Police Command had explained that officers from the Kwara State Police Command came to Ibadan to effect Olohun’s arrest based on a warrant issued by the Upper Ilorin Magistrates’ Court.

He said the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, upon being informed of the operation, directed the officers to return to their base and advised the complainant to approach the appropriate court in Ibadan, where the alleged offence was said to have occurred.

Ewenla said the position of the Oyo Police Command was consistent with the principles of due process and democratic governance.

“Nobody is above the law, but nobody should be subjected to the law outside due process either,” he said.

He stressed that his support for Tani Olohun was not based on hostility towards Islam, Christianity or any other religion, but on the need to protect freedom of conscience, religion and expression.

According to him, no Nigerian should be targeted, intimidated or subjected to unequal treatment because of the practice or advocacy of Isese and Yoruba indigenous religious traditions.

Ewenla, however, acknowledged that anyone who believes Olohun committed an offence has the right to seek legal redress, but insisted that such a complaint must be pursued through the appropriate legal procedure and jurisdiction.

He warned against the use of intimidation, extra-judicial pressure or attempts to move suspects from one state to another without due regard for the law.

The PDP Southwest Ex-Officio also commended the people of Ibadan and others who remained vigilant and called for calm during the incident, particularly those who intervened to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.

He stressed that supporting Olohun did not amount to supporting violence or unlawful actions against anyone, urging those who disagreed with him to seek redress through the courts and other lawful institutions.

Ewenla further called on the police to remain professional and avoid becoming instruments in private, religious or political disputes.

He said, “Let the courts determine the facts. Let the police remain professional. Let every citizen enjoy equal protection under the Constitution.”

Ewenla reaffirmed his support for Tani Olohun, Isese and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage, while calling for justice, constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

He also cautioned against the use of religion, police authority or government institutions to intimidate or persecute any Nigerian.