Prince Ewenla backs Tani Olohun, says rule of law must apply to every Nigerian

Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, has declared his support for Tani Olohun, saying the rule of law and constitutional rights must apply equally to every Nigerian regardless of religious belief or cultural affiliation.

Ewenla, a security expert, real estate investor and graduate surveyor, commended the Oyo State Commissioner of Police for what he described as a responsible and professional approach to the attempted arrest of Tani Olohun in Ibadan.

According to him, the Oyo State Police Command said officers from the Kwara State Police Command arrived in Ibadan pursuant to a warrant issued by the Upper Ilorin Magistrates’ Court.

He said that after the Oyo Commissioner of Police was informed of the operation, he directed the Kwara officers to return to their base and advised the complainant to approach the appropriate court in Ibadan, being the alleged location where the offence was committed.

Ewenla described the decision as an example of how law enforcement should operate in a democratic society governed by constitutional principles and due process.

“Nobody is above the law, but nobody should be subjected to the law outside due process either,” he said.

He therefore stated publicly that he stood with Tani Olohun in his demand for justice, fairness and respect for his fundamental rights.

Ewenla stressed that his support for Tani Olohun was not motivated by hostility towards Islam, Christianity or any other religion, but by the need to protect the rights of every Nigerian to freedom of conscience, freedom of religion, freedom of expression and equal protection under the law.

According to him, Nigeria is a secular constitutional democracy, and no citizen should be targeted, intimidated or subjected to unequal treatment simply because of his religious practice or public advocacy for Isese and Yoruba indigenous religious traditions.

‘Let the Courts Determine the Facts’

Ewenla acknowledged that anyone who believes Tani Olohun has committed an offence has the right to seek legal redress.

He, however, insisted that any complaint against him must be handled through the proper legal procedure and within the appropriate jurisdiction, rather than through intimidation, extra-judicial pressure or attempts to move a person from one state to another without proper regard for due process.

He said the position taken by the Oyo State Police Command should serve as an important reminder that police officers have a duty to enforce the law professionally and must not become instruments in private, religious or political disputes.

“The appropriate question is simple: If an alleged offence occurred in Ibadan, why should the complainant not follow the proper legal process in Ibadan, as advised by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police?” he asked.

Ewenla called on all parties to allow the courts to determine the facts, while urging the police to remain professional and ensure that every citizen receives equal protection under the Constitution.

Commends Ibadan Residents for Restraint

The Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo also commended residents of Ibadan who, according to him, remained vigilant and concerned about the development.

He praised individuals who called for calm and lawful conduct and particularly acknowledged those who intervened to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.

He, however, made it clear that supporting Tani Olohun should not be interpreted as support for violence against anyone.

According to him, people who disagree with Tani Olohun should use the courts and other lawful institutions to express their grievances rather than resorting to threats, harassment or mob action.

‘I Stand With Tani Olohun’

Ewenla said his position was rooted in his belief in constitutional democracy, religious freedom, cultural preservation and the rule of law.

“I stand with Tani Olohun.

“I stand for Isese and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.

“I stand for freedom of conscience and religious freedom.

“I stand for justice, constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

“And I stand firmly against the use of religion, police authority or any government institution to intimidate or persecute any Nigerian.”

He added that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens and that Yoruba land belongs to all its people, regardless of religious affiliation.

“No religion should be used as a weapon against another citizen,” he said.