Falana to Tinubu: Call Wike, Fayose to Order Over Oyo School Kidnapping Comments
Falana Urges Tinubu to Restrain Wike, Fayose Over Remarks on Oyo School Abduction
Prominent human rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barrister Femi Falana, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, over comments they allegedly made concerning the recent school abduction in Oyo State.
Falana made the appeal during an appearance on a Channels Television programme hosted by the station’s political correspondent and editor, Seun Okinbaloye, on Monday.
Speaking on the security situation in Oyo State, the legal practitioner expressed concern that some of the remarks attributed to the two political figures could heighten tensions among residents at a period when collective efforts should be directed toward addressing the crisis.
According to him, the statements were “unhelpful and inflammatory” and could further aggravate public anxiety surrounding the incident.
“The President should warn Nyesom Wike and Ayo Fayose to stop inciting the people of Oyo State over the school kidnapping,” Falana said during the interview. “This is not the time for political point-scoring. Lives are at stake.”
Falana also reacted to recent comments made by Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, on the state of insecurity in Oyo State.
He urged the activist to channel any credible intelligence he may have through the appropriate security agencies rather than, in his words, “politicizing insecurity in Oyo State.”
“If Sunday Igboho has information about those behind the kidnappings, the lawful thing to do is to go to the police and report who he suspects,” Falana stated. “Security matters should not be turned into political theatre.”
The senior lawyer maintained that while Nigerians are entitled to voice concerns over security challenges, influential public figures must exercise restraint and avoid comments that could inflame emotions or deepen divisions within affected communities.
“All stakeholders must de-escalate. The focus should be on rescuing the victims and supporting security agencies to do their job,” he added.