MOLETE VIOLENCE: ODIDIOMO VISITS ADEDIBU FAMILY, VICTIMS, PLEDGES COMPENSATION AND MEDICAL SUPPORT

The member representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo, has reaffirmed his resolve to pursue lawful remedies over what he described as an orchestrated smear campaign against him by Oriyomi Hamzat during a live broadcast on Facebook via Oriyomi Hamzat Live.

The lawmaker made this known during a visit to the Molete area of Ibadan to assess the extent of destruction caused by the recent violent attack, sympathise with affected traders and families, and provide immediate support to victims.

Addressing traders beneath the Molete Bridge, Hon. Olajide condemned the violence, describing it as a threat to public safety, peace and democratic values. He maintained that Oyo State is a peaceful and civilised society governed by the rule of law, not a jungle where individuals can take the law into their own hands.

He insisted that the 72-hour ultimatum issued to those he accused of instigating the attack and spreading defamatory claims remained in force. According to him, the demand includes a full retraction of the alleged false statements, withdrawal of defamatory videos published online, and an unreserved public apology in national newspapers, failing which he would pursue appropriate legal action.

The lawmaker stressed that he would not allow his hard-earned reputation to be destroyed in the name of politics, adding that disagreements should be resolved through lawful and democratic means rather than violence or misinformation.

During his assessment of the affected areas, Hon. Olajide disclosed that six severely affected traders whose livelihoods had been disrupted had been identified. He promised to provide restitution for damaged goods, destroyed vehicles and other assets lost during the incident.

He also pledged to provide a brand-new motorcycle to a commercial motorcyclist who was reportedly assaulted during the attack and had his motorcycle taken away. He assured members of the trading community that he would work to ensure that affected victims received the necessary support to recover from their losses.

As part of his visit, the federal lawmaker paid a solidarity visit to the family of the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu, whose household and supporters were reportedly affected by the violence. He expressed sympathy with the family and pledged his support during the difficult period.

Hon. Olajide further disclosed that several victims sustained serious injuries and were receiving treatment at different medical facilities across Ibadan. While expressing sadness over the loss of lives recorded during the incident, he pledged to personally settle the medical bills of all hospitalised victims to ensure they receive appropriate healthcare without placing additional financial burdens on their families.

The lawmaker, who is also the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, reaffirmed his commitment to the peace, welfare and security of his constituents.

He called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and speedy investigation into the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that all perpetrators and anyone found to have sponsored the violence are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

Hon. Olajide also appealed to residents of Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-West and the wider Oyo South Senatorial District to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding.

He maintained that political differences must not be allowed to undermine peaceful coexistence, destroy livelihoods or threaten the democratic progress of Oyo State, urging all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and the rule of law.