By Oyo Lens
Tension reportedly gripped a community in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday after men believed to be police officers attempted to arrest popular Isese advocate, Tani Olohun, under circumstances that remain unclear.
Videos circulated on social media showed the men, some reportedly dressed in civilian clothes and armed, attempting to take Olohun away. One of the men reportedly presented an identity card to residents, but his claim to be a police officer was disputed.
Residents, who raised an alarm during a live broadcast, alleged that the men arrived in a vehicle without a number plate and accused them of attempting to abduct Olohun.
Following the alarm, members of Olohun’s family reportedly contacted Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, who subsequently arrived at the scene with supporters.
In another video, Igboho was seen speaking by telephone with an alleged senior official while surrounded by residents and supporters. He reportedly informed the official that four officers were at the scene and later handed the phone to one of the men at the official’s request.
The circumstances surrounding the attempted arrest, including whether the officers possessed a valid warrant or were acting on a court order, remained unclear as of press time.
Contacted on the development, Oyo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed awareness of the incident but declined to comment, saying a press statement would be issued.
Meanwhile, a subsequent video posted on Olohun’s social media page showed him after he was reportedly released. Appearing visibly battered and wearing torn clothes, he thanked those who intervened, including the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, the Olubadan, Governor Seyi Makinde and, particularly, Sunday Igboho.
Olohun, a prominent advocate of Isese and Yoruba traditional religious practices, has previously been involved in controversies surrounding religious freedom and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.
Oyo Lens will continue to monitor the development and report further details as they emerge.
