DSS detains Ogun Pastor Kayode Olawoye after advocacy for better roads, sparking concerns over intimidation and shrinking civic space in the state
The Department of State Services has detained Pastor Kayode Olawoye, a cleric and civic advocate, following his growing public campaign demanding improved road infrastructure across Ogun State.
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Pastor Olawoye was invited on Monday to the DSS office in Abeokuta for what was described as a routine chat, marking the third invitation extended to him by the secret police.
However, unlike previous encounters, he was not allowed to leave the facility and has since been placed under detention.
The DSS Detains Ogun Pastor development has triggered concern among residents and civil society observers, who describe the action as part of a widening pattern of intimidation against citizens drawing attention to governance failures under the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Pastor Olawoye, known for his community outreach and social advocacy, had in recent weeks intensified calls for safer and motorable roads.
Through sermons, community engagements, and media interventions, he highlighted the deteriorating condition of major routes and the daily hardship faced by commuters, traders, and residents.
Residents allege that these public interventions drew the ire of authorities, accusing the state government of becoming increasingly hostile to dissent and accountability.
According to multiple accounts, individuals who openly criticise governance lapses, particularly at the local government level, have faced harassment, arrests, or threats.
The concerns echo a previous controversy involving the former chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Wale Adedayo.
Last year, Adedayo was impeached after insisting on the release of statutory allocations meant for his council to enable basic governance. The impeachment was later challenged in court.
In a landmark judgment delivered in December 2025, the court nullified Adedayo’s removal, declaring it illegal, unconstitutional, and politically motivated.
He was reinstated as chairman and awarded ₦30 million in damages against those responsible for the unlawful action.
Separately, the Ogun State Police Command has filed a six-count criminal charge against a popular internet blogger, Adetoun Onajobi, widely known as @justadetoun, over allegations bordering on cybercrime, false information, and obstruction of justice.
The charges are pending before the Federal High Court, Abeokuta Division.
Police alleged that the blogger used internet-enabled platforms to publish false accusations against the Ogun State Government and to engage in sustained online bullying of Governor Abiodun, actions said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.
According to police accounts, Onajobi failed to honour a formal invitation for questioning, citing medical reasons through her lawyer. Subsequent investigations reportedly revealed the medical report submitted was fabricated.
The doctor linked to the document has since been arraigned and is facing charges relating to conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
Together, the detention of Pastor Olawoye and the prosecution of online critics have intensified public debate over civil liberties, freedom of expression, and the shrinking space for civic engagement in Ogun State.
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Residents have continued to call for transparency, due process, and respect for citizens’ rights, urging authorities to prioritise dialogue and governance reforms over coercive measures.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
