Ahead of the Edo and Ondo elections in September and October respectively, the political climate in these states has been a steaming pot of dramatic activities in the last few weeks. Ranging from disqualification and suspensions, to accusations and defections, there has been no shortage of political brouhaha with the constant updates from the politicians.

The latest in the political saga came in the late hours of Saturday, following a viral video on social media showing the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Bolaji Salami preventing the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, from moving out of his official quarters at the Government House. 

Video : Ondo State Deputy Governor, Alfred Agboola Ajayi detained for more than four hours at the Government House gate by commissioner of police and his men acting under the instruction of the Governor,Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN on 20th June, 2020. pic.twitter.com/UWgsQCN7vt

— T. Bolanle Cole Esq.?? (@BolanleCole) June 21, 2020

 

There are speculations that the Police Commissioner acted on the orders of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, in response to rumours of the Deputy Governor’s planned defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) next Monday.

What is the interest of @PoliceNG in politics?

Below is the video of the Ondo State Commissioner of Police harassing the Deputy Governor of the State ahead of his planned defection from @OfficialAPCNg to the @OfficialPDPNig on Monday.#DemocracyNotDictatorship pic.twitter.com/od7QdTTSKA

— ᴜᴍʙʀᴇʟʟᴀ Fᴏʀᴄᴇ (@Umbrella_Force) June 21, 2020

Dear @MBuhari @ProfOsinbajo @PoliceNG @BolanleCole @OfficialPDPNig @OfficialAPCNg

Below is a video of the Ondo State Police Chief detaining, for over four hours, the deputy governor of Ondo State on the order of 'Rotimi Akeredolu.

Offence: He is decamping to another party! pic.twitter.com/E0iTRl2Op9

— Oluwagbenga Ajongbolo (@arakunrinajos) June 21, 2020

 

Others who refuted the claim alleged that some aides to the Deputy Governor were trying to cart away government property late Saturday, leading the Governor to use the Police in preventing same. They added that the Deputy Governor relying on his immunity, allegedly tried to shield the aides.

The True story behind the Ondo State Deputy Governor’s Video.

Last night, some Aides to the Deputy Governor were trying to cart away the govt property. Gov. Akeredolu then ordered security beef up.

The Deputy Gov. later came out to shield these guys because he has immunity. pic.twitter.com/FvtCMkG0ZV

— Ondo First Born® (@OndoFirstBorn) June 21, 2020

 

Reports indicate that the Deputy Governor was detained for more than four hours at the gate of the Government House and many have described the action as an insult to democracy. They described the act as cowardice and intimidation on the part of the Governor. 

Ondo State Police Chief restricting the State Deputy Governor, Agboola from leaving the Government house because he was rumoured to be leaving APC camp… Lol
Akeredolu should play politics like a politician and not coward.
Police isn't a political tool!pic.twitter.com/SJmMYZub7i

— Premier (@SodiqTade) June 21, 2020

Discussing it from a broader perspective, some of those who reacted expressed despair at the alleged act of injustice, wondering what hope the common Nigerian holds, if a Deputy Governor with privileges could be treated in such manner.

If a Governor is using Police to oppress his deputy State then what is the hope of a common citizen. Sigh
Ondo State is turning to something else because of power play.

— Premier (@SodiqTade) June 21, 2020

Although vague, the Governor through a tweet on his official handle Sunday, denied intimidating his deputy as alleged.

Total Misrepresentation of facts. I did not tell the government house security to hold him back at any point. Why would I? Agbo can go anywhere he likes. I wish him well. https://t.co/RDWVzQHBbP

— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) June 21, 2020