- Decries mother’s death

A former youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, AjiSafe Abdulazeez Wasiu, has cried out following his harrowing ordeal involving political persecution, and the death of his mother.

In a statement made available to the press, Wasiu recounts a series of chilling events that began shortly after he publicly withdrew his support for the Oyo PDP Chairman, Oyedele Sikiru Sanda.

He claimed to have previously campaigned for the Chairman during the 2021 state party congress but had to withdraw his support following failed promises.

Wasiu, who hails from Ward 9 in Egbeda Local Government Area, served as the ward's youth leader and was an outspoken supporter of Sanda’s chairmanship bid.

However, following what he described as "rampant corruption and failed promises" by the chairman after assuming office, Wasiu said he took a bold step by publicly criticizing the leadership and declaring his intention to campaign against Sanda’s re-election.

This opposition, he claimed, triggered a series of retaliatory actions.

Wasiu was allegedly arrested by police officers acting on the orders of the PDP chairman in June 2023.

He said he was beaten and detained for three days without charges, enduring inhumane conditions.

“I was beaten, detained without charges, and held for three days under brutal and degrading conditions,” the statement reads.

Upon his release, Wasiu alleges that his home and family became targets of violent attacks orchestrated by political thugs loyal to Mukaila Lamidi a.k.a. Auxiliary, the formal Chairman of the Oyo State Road Transport Union.

According to him, the attacks culminated in the tragic death of his elderly mother in July, after she was assaulted during a raid on their family home.

Fearing for his life and the safety of his wife and children, Wasiu said he fled to Lagos, only to discover that his pursuers had extended their network through union contacts.

He hinted that he had been living in hideouts away from the public gatherings to avoid being identified.

“I have already been arrested, beaten, and lost my mother to this conflict."