A source who described Animasaun as a “strong critic of the Oyo State Governor,” informed SaharaReporters he had been “invited by the DSS for criticising the recent takeover of community open spaces by the government”.
Idris Animashaun, a social media personality known for speaking truth to power, has been invited by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly criticising Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's governance.
A source who described Animasaun as a “strong critic of the Oyo State Governor,” informed SaharaReporters he had been “invited by the DSS for criticising the recent takeover of community open spaces by the government”.
Animashaun, active on Facebook and X, has been vocal about poor governance in Nigeria, particularly in Oyo State. His recent posts challenged Governor Makinde's assertion that President Bola Tinubu's administration is solely responsible for the country's economic woes.
He accused Makinde of sponsoring posts on newspapers, social media and blogs to launder his image and using his media aide to threaten him with the DSS.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Animasaun announced that he had been invited by the DSS to report at their office by 10 am on Tuesday.
Animasaun, who described himself as an architect and social change advocate, wrote, “WHAT EXACTLY DID I DO THIS TIME?
“A while ago, I got a call from DSS office to report there 10am tomorrow morning, as I no get sponsor or lawyer, I am going with the same people they want to suppress… Media
“Whatever my offence is, I don’t know yet. Unless they kill God.”
Also, in a post on his X account on Monday, he wrote, “I have finally being invited to report to DSS office 10am tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, I hope it’s not connected to this story I made.”
“When I hung up on the call from DSS, the first thing that came to my mind was not even who would have petitioned that made them call me but that “nothing deh happen” feeling like say na Student Union vs School mgt. Then I think again, circle the boys for the movement,” he added.
He had earlier posted this: “Governor Seyi Makinde said Nigerians are hungry and angry, but if I should reply.
"Dr. Debo Akande will arrange people to come on a tour of Fasola, call my Egbon that I don't want to mention his name to do a sponsored post on blogs, prints and social media, send CPS to different radio stations to defend the retrogressive policies or worst case scenario as always, send DSS to threaten me.
“Screenshot to him and ask him if any of the things I said never happened before.”
He had also shared a post made by one Morufu Smith, which reads, “Gov Makinde has been displaying crass insensitivity as a governor. It should push him to shame to say people are hungry and angry because he is part of those making people hungry.
“Agriculture is in concurrent list and it is why we have Ministry of Agriculture in Oyo State apart from other pseudo agricultural agencies and policies he claims to have put in place. Is it no longer a priority of a governor to banish hunger in his state?”
Animasaun had also shared a post made by one Inaolaji Abayomi Toheeb, which reads, “So bcos the federal government has got it wrong means or says things can't be corrected at the state level or we have set of greediness and self centered people representing us at the state level cos I think government starts from the family so bcos the head of the family is jobless or incapable means the whole family should starve of hunger.”
On September 11, 2023, Animasaun in a Facebook, also knocked the governor for the state of Lekan Salami Stadium at Adamasingba in Ibadan.
Commenting on a picture of Governor Makinde at the venue of the US Open, Animasaun wrote, “First it was the rumored sale of Agodi Parks and Garden and Trans Amusement Park few days ago that I wrote His Excellency on. But the events of Saturday at Adamasingba is a source of worry and concern to me.
“Anyone who saw the game involving Shooting Stars SC and Osun Utd will agree with me that post-poning the league is a blessing in disguise for the fans of the Oluyole Warriors. The pitch became waterlogged and one will wonder if any report indicating that game was stopped abruptly for few minutes as a result of a situation reminiscing the experience we had about 2yrs ago when this pitch was commissioned.
“A tour round the facility revealed that nothing serious had been done to ensure speedy completion of other jobs that was earlier reported to have been used to defend the contract sum. The main bowl is not functioning to its capacities as toilets of a newly commissioned project are not working.
“The practise pitch is still uncompleted. The swimming pool is not yet completed. The gym area is not yet done not to talk of equipping it. The offices are still looking like they were before the renovation works commenced.
“It was nice seeing you enjoy your vacation in the US and Obviously you like what you saw at Flushing Meadows!
“Can it also be replicated in Oyo State? How about having the biggest Tennis Open in Oyo?
“There are many "Coco Gauffs" waiting to be unleashed back home but the environment hasn't been encouraging their career development. It is true that the state contingents to National Sports Festival in the last two years has shown tremendous improvements with their medal haul and final standings in 2022 and 2023. However, a critical look at other states revealed the depth of their investments in other sports such as swimming and tennis where the state has not been doing well.
“This is going to be a long read if I continue to list out all that was left uncompleted of an already commissioned job. And the state of sport development in the state, but I'll wait till you are back from vacation before writing you again Sir.
“Enjoy your holiday in the US, Dear Governor.”
Governor Makinde has faced intense criticism for some of his administration's policies, particularly the ongoing demolition exercise in the state.
This move has led to massive protests in Ibadan, the state capital, with thousands of affected residents and members of the African Action Congress demanding an end to the demolitions.
The protests were sparked by the devastating impact of the demolition exercise, which has reportedly claimed dozens of lives and left thousands homeless without adequate support from the government.
The protests highlight the growing tensions between the government and residents, with many feeling that their concerns are being ignored.
I have finally being invited to report to DSS office 10am tomorrow morning, I hope it’s not connected to this story I made.@adesola_omotoso I thought you said there’s nothing about it.
It’s not the first time. https://t.co/p7Acovinca— Idris Animasaun (@idrisanimasaun_) September 23, 2024
When I hung up on the call from DSS, the first thing that came to my mind was not even who would have petitioned that made them call me but that “nothing deh happen” feeling like say na Student Union vs School mgt.
Then I think again, circle the boys for the movement.— Idris Animasaun (@idrisanimasaun_) September 23, 2024