Families of several men detained in connection with the Akinlalu case in Osun State have staged a peaceful protest at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, expressing deep concern over the continued detention of their loved ones, whom they insist are innocent of the alleged killings.
Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters appealed to both traditional and government authorities to intervene in what they described as prolonged and unjust detention. They urged that justice be served fairly and without prejudice.
The families lamented that the incarceration has caused untold hardship, emotional distress, and economic strain. Many households have been thrown into uncertainty as breadwinners and caregivers remain behind bars without clear or convincing justification. They emphasized that their relatives were arrested during investigations but have not been directly linked to the violent incident and have consistently proclaimed their innocence.
Speaking on behalf of the Ooni of Ife, the Arode of Ifeland, High Chief Kayode Awofiranye, commended the families for their peaceful conduct and assured them that the palace had heard their concerns. He stated that traditional rulers would engage relevant authorities