After Arrest, Olorunsuwa Thanks Karimi, Faleke, Others for Standing by Him

By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab

Chief Elijah Olorunsuwa has expressed appreciation to Senator Sunday Karimi, Hon. James Faleke and other individuals who stood by him following his alleged arrest by the Nigerian Police in Ilorin.

Olorunsuwa said he was arrested at his residence at about 5:30am over a WhatsApp post concerning the rehabilitation of the Olle-Iluke Road.

He alleged that the arrest was carried out on the order of Jerry Omodara and described the incident as an attempt to intimidate him because of his support for Senator Sunday Karimi and his views on political developments in Kogi State.

In a statement titled “Note of Appreciation on My Arrest by the Nigerian Police on the Order of Jerry Omodara,” Olorunsuwa thanked those who publicly condemned the incident and intervened on his behalf.

He specifically appreciated Senator Sunday Karimi, Hon. Duro Meseko, Dr. Elebiyo Joseph, Prof. Omotola, Engr. Ibishaga, Chief Monday Job Sesere Job, Chief Dare Yomi Johnson, Pastor Timi Aroniyo, Hon. James Faleke, Engr. George-Olumoroti Olusola, Prince Jibowu Mosiko, Hon. Seyi Bello, Chief Femi Olugnemi and Mr. Segun Olusegun Iselaiye.

He also acknowledged the intervention of some royal fathers, saying their identities would be withheld “for obvious reasons.”

Olorunsuwa particularly commended young Okun people whom he said resisted intimidation and spoke out publicly following his arrest.

Those he mentioned included Anjie Nishola Kinrin, Ejiwumi Omolade Tobi, Mikky Oladapo, Cephas Alepa, Jeremiah Godwin, Sunday Aliu, Samuel Olawale, Oladele Samuel and Samuel OJ Temibi.

According to him, their courage helped bring the incident to public attention and contributed to securing his release.

He said the prayers, phone calls, messages and public interventions from supporters meant a lot to him and his family.

Despite the incident, Olorunsuwa said his commitment to good governance, equity and equality in Kogi State remained unwavering.

He also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu and Senator Sunday Karimi, while maintaining his advocacy for the rotation of the Kogi State governorship to Kogi West in 2027.

“I will keep standing for what is right,” Olorunsuwa said, adding that he would continue to “speak truth to power.”
He described the incident as political persecution and alleged that an unnamed political appointee was attempting to use political power to intimidate him.

Olorunsuwa concluded by thanking all those who stood by him during the incident, saying their support had strengthened his resolve to continue speaking on issues affecting Kogi State.