Tensions ran high in Ondo State yesterday as hundreds of youth staged a peaceful demonstration in the capital city, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of seven youth activists who were detained following last week’s community development forum.
The protesters, mostly university students and young professionals, gathered at Democracy Park around 9am before marching through major streets with placards bearing messages such as “Free our brothers now” and “Peaceful advocacy is not a crime.”
According to eyewitnesses, the arrested youth leaders were taken into custody after raising concerns about the abandoned skills acquisition center project during a town hall meeting with government officials last Thursday.
“These young men were only asking legitimate questions about funds allocated for youth development programs,” said Adebayo Ogunleye, one of the protest organizers who spoke with our correspondent. “Their detention is not only unjust but also sends a dangerous message about civic engagement in our state.”
The procession, which remained orderly throughout, culminated at the State Secretariat where protest leaders presented a petition to government officials. The document outlined their grievances and requested immediate intervention from the state governor.
Police maintained a visible but non-confrontational presence throughout the demonstration, with Commissioner of Police Ayodele Fayose later confirming to our reporter that no incidents of violence were recorded.
“We recognize the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly,” CP Fayose stated. “Our officers were instructed to ensure the safety of both protesters and the general public.”
Community elder Chief Oluwole Adeniyi, who observed the protest, praised the youth for their discipline. “These young people have conducted themselves admirably. Their concerns deserve proper attention from authorities,” he remarked.
The state government, through the Commissioner for Youth Affairs, promised to look into the situation, with a spokesperson noting that “dialogue remains the best approach to resolving issues of community development.”
As the sun set on Akure yesterday, protest leaders vowed to continue their advocacy until their colleagues are released, while calling for improved transparency in the implementation of youth-oriented programs across the state.
