A former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Rufai Durotoye, has raised alarm over what he described as serious threats to his life following his public criticism of the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Durotoye made the allegation in a petition submitted to the Osun State Commissioner of Police, in which he requested a thorough but discreet investigation into the matter. According to him, the caution is necessary to prevent any incident that could result in the loss of life.
The petition, authored by his legal representative, Kehinde Adesiyan, claimed that Durotoye had been subjected to repeated intimidation. It alleged that unknown individuals visited his residence in Osogbo on two separate occasions, while several anonymous callers reportedly threatened to kill him unless he withdrew statements he made criticizing what he described as an imbalance in the distribution of infrastructure projects under the current administration.
Durotoye, a United States–based mathematician who contested for the APC governorship ticket ahead of the August 8 election, had granted an interview about two months ago in which he openly faulted Governor Adeleke’s government for what he alleged was uneven infrastructural development across the state.
In the petition, his counsel emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that the complaint was filed to ensure the safety of his client. Part of the petition stated that the request was a “save our soul” appeal aimed at ensuring that all individuals invited for questioning would give assurances that no harm would come to Durotoye, whom the petition described as a key provider for many dependants.
Speaking with Leadership on Friday from abroad, Durotoye further alleged that the threats went beyond phone calls. He claimed that suspected assassins had visited his home in Osogbo and left a warning, demanding that he retract his comments on Governor Adeleke’s style of governance or face severe consequences.
Durotye maintained that he had committed no offence by expressing his views, stressing that constructive criticism is a legitimate part of democratic engagement. As a politician and a citizen of Osun State, he said, he believes offering opinions on governance and development issues should be seen as a contribution to progress rather than a provocation.
He added that in a civilized society, such feedback should help governments improve their performance, not endanger the lives of those who speak out.
0 Comments