The lawyer emphasised that the arrests of the protesters represented more than a mere land dispute, framing them instead as a "profound test of our constitutional values and the very essence of democratic governance." 

Human rights lawyer, Barrister Tope Temokun, has called on the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), to order the immediate release of three Ikale indigenes detained for participating in a peaceful protest.

Temokun in a letter dated May 19, 2025, and addressed to the Attorney-General, described the continued incarceration of the protesters as a "grave miscarriage of justice."

Temokun in the letter he titled "On The Ikale 3: A Release That Justice Demands!", condemned the ongoing detention of Bose Loyinmi-Ogunlowo, Rachael Akinirun, and Orimisan Adelokiki, three protesters arrested in connection with a community-led demonstration against the controversial lease renewal of communal lands to the Okitipupa Oil Palm Company Plc.

The lawyer emphasised that the arrests of the protesters represented more than a mere land dispute, framing them instead as a "profound test of our constitutional values and the very essence of democratic governance." 

He invoked Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, accusing the state of deploying police powers to stifle legitimate dissent.

"It is undeniable, though troubling, that throughout our national history, the use of police powers to silence legitimate protest has been among the most anti-democratic, most oppressive, and most fundamentally unjust tactics deployed against citizens asserting their rights," Temokun stated.

The unrest traced back to the renewal of a lease agreement that granted thousands of hectares of land in the Ikale region to the Okitipupa Oil Palm Company, a deal that many local residents say was made without their full consultation or consent. 

For decades, the company has operated on land originally belonging to several Ikale communities, sparking tensions over ownership, compensation, and corporate accountability.

In April 2025, peaceful protests were held across several Ikale towns. 

During one such protest, Loyinmi-Ogunlowo, Akinirun, and Adelokiki were arrested, reportedly without violence or provocation. 

They have since been held in detention without formal charges being disclosed to the public, drawing widespread condemnation from civil society groups.

Temokun challenged the Attorney-General to weigh the moral and constitutional implications of the continued detention.

“This matter demands your immediate attention not as a minor incident, but as a fundamental challenge to our remaining sense of justice in our state,” he said.

“The arrest of these three Ikale indigenes while protesting the controversial lease renewal to Okitipupa Oil Palm Company Plc stands as a stark example of this injustice,” Temokun told the Attorney-General.

He advised, “Your office, with its proud traditions and sacred duty to uphold not only rule of law but social justice regardless whose ox is gored, should not be associated with such tactics, lest it tarnish your reputation and legacy as the chief law officer of our state.”

According to Temokun, the intimidation of citizens through arrest and detention is the power bank of corporate interests, deployed at the slightest challenge to frighten and silence dissenting voices and community advocates. 

“If justice is truly what you seek to uphold, you, with your distinguished position and the weight of legal authority at your disposal, should have nothing to do with the continued detention of these three citizens who were merely defending their ancestral birthright,” the lawyer said. 

“You may not personally have a stake in this matter, but regrettably, you occupy an office of the Attorney General of the State today that has everything to do with this matter,” he stressed.

"There is no protest the Ikale people can mount that should result in detention, especially in a matter that has both communal, judicial, and civic content," he said, urging Ajulo to “act with the urgency that justice demands.”

He warned that the AG’s handling of the matter could define his legacy, stressing that every responsible government should always hesitate to allow itself to be seen to stand with private interest against a community of people. 

“Not this time, when the fundamental rights of citizens hang in the balance, lest the government will stand on the wrong side of history,” he said.

Temokun questioned, “Will you uphold the constitutional rights of the Ikale people to protest what they believe is a just cause, which the government can go into and put to a peaceful rest with dialogue and civic diplomacy, or will you allow corporate interests to use the machinery of state to suppress legitimate dissent?”

According to him, “The answer to this question will define your tenure far more than any other action you might take sir in this matter.”

He stated that in matters of constitutional rights, after the governor and the courts, the Attorney-General is the public officer citizens look onto for protection. 

He therefore asked Ajulo, “In these troubling times, how do you view the detention of these three citizens as a priority worthy of your office's attention? 

“How, sir, in resolving what is essentially a land dispute with deep historical roots, is the continued detention of unarmed protesters in the best interest of this government?”

He noted that as the chief legal officer of the state, the AG’s position carries tremendous moral and legal weight.

“The public's trust in your office and your duty to uphold justice must override any other considerations, particularly when the rights of citizens to protest is at stake,” he said. 

“History is an unforgiving chronicler; it remembers injustices far longer than it remembers triumphs.

“I do not question that law enforcement has no place in maintaining order in the state. 

“The question to ask now is what purpose does the continued detention of the Ikale 3 serve? Your position as the Chief Legal Officer of this State demands more reflection on this matter because your actions and inactions are now the subject of public scrutiny.” 

Temokun called for dialogue and civic diplomacy to resolve the underlying dispute. 

He insisted that releasing the detained citizens would not only be a just act but would also help restore public trust in the rule of law and the Office of the Attorney-General.

He said, “Even after this matter is resolved, until you relinquish your high office, you will be judged by how you have handled this test of your commitment to constitutional rights and justice.

“Consider carefully, sir. Will the continued detention and possible prosecution of these three citizens not put the state and its government in a bad light as intolerant of the sentiments and agitation of the people? 

“Will you, as a leader sworn to uphold the Constitution, be remembered as one who stood for justice, or one who allowed the machinery of state to be used against citizens defending their ancestral lands? And finally, wil their imprisonment end the agitation that has started in Ikale community?

“I urge you, sir, to reflect deeply on this matter and take immediate steps to facilitate not just the release of Bose Loyinmi-Ogunlowo, Rachael Akinirun, and Orimisan Adelokiki, but to see that the root cause of their agitation is handled in the best interest of the public. 

“It is in the best interest of justice, the reputation of your office, and the constitutional rights we all hold dear that this matter be resolved through their immediate release, not through continued detention and prosecution.

“I do hope you will take these concerns seriously and act with the urgency that justice demands.”