OSUN VOTERS LEAGUE CONDEMNS SPONSORED PROTEST AGAINST DR. ISMAIL ABIODUN SAKA LAYONU IN EDE

The Osun Voters League (OVL) has issued a statement condemning the recent protest that was held against Dr. Ismail Abiodun Saka Layonu in Ede, Osun State. The protesters had accused Dr. Layonu of being one of the legal counsels of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who they believe played a key role in upturning the victory of Senator Demola Adeleke at the Tribunal.
This was contained in a release signed by the Coordinator of the Club, Wole Adedoyin in Ilesha on Friday.
In its statement, the OVL expressed its disappointment and frustration over the targeted attack against Dr. Layonu, and called for the immediate cessation of all forms of violence, intimidation, and harassment against legal practitioners and citizens who exercise their constitutional rights. The OVL noted that the role of lawyers in any democracy is to provide legal advice and representation to clients, regardless of their political affiliations.
The Osun Voters League, in its statement, described the protest as a political maneuver aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Layonu and discrediting his efforts towards the development of Ede and Osun State. The league stated that Layonu has been a strong advocate for community development, and has made significant contributions towards improving the living standards of residents in Ede and Osun State.
The league went on to call on the public to disregard the false allegations against Dr. Ismail Abiodun Saka Layonu, and urged the sponsors of the protest to focus their efforts on promoting peace and unity in Ede. The league also called on the police to investigate the protest, and bring to justice those found to be behind the sponsored protest.
The OVL further noted that Dr. Layonu is a highly respected legal practitioner who has served the people of Osun State with distinction. He has contributed significantly to the development of the legal profession, and has always maintained a high level of professionalism, integrity, and impartiality in the discharge of his duties.
The OVL expressed its concern over the rising trend of violent attacks against legal practitioners in Nigeria, and called on the relevant authorities to take steps to protect the rights and safety of all citizens, including lawyers. The OVL stated that any attack against lawyers is a direct attack on the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
The OVL also expressed its support for Dr. Layonu and all other legal practitioners who have been targeted in similar attacks, and called on the Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant legal bodies to take swift action to protect the rights and safety of its members. The OVL stated that the rights of legal practitioners must be protected at all times, as they play a critical role in ensuring that justice is served and the rule of law is maintained.
The OVL emphasized that the protest against Dr. Layonu is a clear indication of the growing trend of violence and intolerance in Osun State, and called on all Nigerians to reject such tendencies and promote peace, unity, and understanding. The OVL stated that as a responsible organization, it will continue to advocate for the rule of law, respect for human rights, and the protection of the independence of the judiciary.
The OVL also called on the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the protest, and bring to justice those who were responsible for inciting violence and spreading false information. The OVL stated that it is important for the government to take decisive action to restore the rule of law and promote peace and stability in the country.
The OVL concluded its statement by expressing its commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to promote peace, justice, and democracy in Osun State. The OVL stated that it will continue to monitor developments in the country, and take all necessary steps to protect the rights and safety of its members and all citizens of Nigeria.