A Yoruba cultural leader, HSM Aare Oba Dr. Amb. Adeyemi, Oba Ede ati Asa Ile Yoruba, has questioned the timing of the kidnapping of students in Oriire, Oyo State, noting that the incident occurred a day after Governor Seyi Makinde declared his intention to run for the presidency.
Speaking in a video published by FeelRightNews TV on Monday, July 13, 2026, the traditional leader raised concerns about the sequence of events but did not present evidence linking the governor’s declaration to the abduction.
Oba Adeyemi also questioned why greater recognition had not been given to security personnel who participated in the rescue operation, despite reports that a ransom may have been paid. He argued that any parent would do everything possible, including selling personal property, to secure the release of an abducted child.
The monarch commended the military for reportedly neutralising 120 bandits in Borno State, praising the effectiveness of the weapons supplied to troops by the Chief of Army Staff.
He further contrasted the military response with what he described as Governor Makinde’s directive to wait for government approval before searching for the abducted students. He also referenced Sunday Igboho’s previous security operations, claiming the Yoruba nation agitator spent about ₦1 million daily on fuel while operating in the bush.
“Sunday Igboho used ₦1 million daily for fuel inside the bush, but Governor Seyi Makinde asked them not to search for those students and to wait for government directive. Also, those Oriire students were kidnapped a day after Governor Seyi Makinde declared for the presidency. Did the kidnappers plan the kidnapping for just two days?” he said.
The remarks reflect Oba Adeyemi’s views. No evidence was provided to support any connection between Governor Makinde’s presidential declaration and the kidnapping, and the governor had not publicly responded to the comments at the time of reporting.
