On his Facebook page, Odusola accused the state government of planning to introduce a cyberstalking law aimed at silencing critics on social media.
The Ondo State government has petitioned the Nigerian police to arrest Wale Omolegbon Odusola, a lawyer based in Ondo, due to his criticism of the state's alleged marginalisation of Ilaje, Ikale, and other Ondo communities.
On his Facebook page, Odusola accused the state government of planning to introduce a cyberstalking law aimed at silencing critics on social media.
He claimed that Ondo State Attorney General Olukayode Ajulo recently convened a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting where the proposal was discussed.
Odusola further alleged that the Ondo State government intends to arrest Facebook critics and charge them to court.
He also accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's administration of attempting to stifle free speech, comparing the move to federal cyber laws often used to suppress dissent.
Odusola also compared the current administration to that of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, noting that Mimiko tolerated criticism and used feedback to improve governance.
According to him, Mimiko listened to and read what critics said, which motivated him to perform better as he wanted to impress the people.
Referencing the 2024 budget, Odusola argued that the Ilaje and Ikale communities had been neglected in state infrastructure projects.
He pointed out that Owo received 12 projects worth approximately ₦3 billion, while Ilaje was allocated only one road project valued at ₦100 million. In Okitipupa, three road projects were approved with a total cost of ₦390 million.
He noted that the state government wants to silence them, but they have the right to express their concerns.
“Marginalisation is real, and calling it out is not a crime,” Odusola said.
He insisted that the government must address the concerns of marginalised communities rather than attempt to suppress their voices.
“We will not be silenced,” he vowed.
Odusola said, "I have no intention of fighting with the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, but as someone from Ilaje and Ikale, I need to express my concerns. Since I do not have direct access to him, I am using Facebook to share my views, hoping they will reach him.
"The opportunity we have in Ilaje and Ikale must not be wasted. All we want is development in our state. I wouldn’t have made this video, but after my last one, the Attorney General of Ondo State organised a NEC meeting and announced plans to introduce a cyberstalking law in the state.
"This means that in Ondo State, expressing concerns on Facebook could lead to arrest and prosecution. When I read this, I laughed at first. If such a law is introduced, it will be an attempt to suppress freedom of speech. The same law that the federal government uses to silence critics is now being brought to Ondo State.
"We must protect our people—this law will not work in Ondo State. Ondo is a Yoruba state, where people are well-educated. During Governor Mimiko’s tenure, despite criticisms, he chose to listen and read what people said. That is why he performed well—because he wanted to impress the people.”
Odusola said Governor Aiyedatiwa must not introduce such a law.
He said, "I was so angry that I decided to analyse the Ondo State budget and explain it to the people.
"We have a right to agitate against marginalisation—it is not a crime. The fact that Ilaje has been marginalised is a reality, and we have the right to speak out. That is freedom of speech. As long as I am not spreading falsehoods, I am protected.
"When I examined the budget under the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, I found that 12 projects—both roads and bridges—were allocated to Owo, totaling about ₦3 billion. However, for Ilaje, only one road was approved, valued at ₦100 million. Ilaje is entitled to just one road, yet we are expected to remain silent?
"In Okitipupa, three roads were approved at a total value of ₦390 million. Combining Ikale and Ilaje, they received only four road projects, while Owo alone got 12.
"We were told not to speak out, but the person who wrote the budget and submitted it to the governor for approval does not seem to care about Ilaje people.
"Historically, we have always protested the exclusion of Ilaje from the Ondo State budget. Even during Mimiko’s tenure, excuses were given. I do not know if Governor Agagu did the same, but the common argument has been that since Ilaje benefits from the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), there is no need to include them in the budget.
"If Ilaje is part of Ondo State, then it must be treated as such. Ilaje should be included in the state budget, as it is a local government area in Ondo State. OSOPADEC is meant to be an additional benefit due to the negative impact of oil exploration in Ilaje, which is why it was created. Yet, in this budget, only one project was allocated to Ilaje.
"The budget also allocated only one tourism project to Ilaje, valued at ₦500 million. What can ₦500 million do for tourism? Ilaje is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Ondo State, especially with Araromi Beach.”
Odusola said for the fire service, only ₦9,450,000 was allocated to it in the budget.
“This means the government does not prioritise fire emergencies. If houses catch fire, how much can this budget achieve?,” he asked.
He explained that the fire service in Ondo State has been neglected for decades, and there is an urgent need to revive it.
"I could personally contribute such an amount to the ministry.
"It is shameful that the Ondo State government allocated only ₦9 million to the fire service. People’s properties will be lost because there will be no firefighters to put out the flames,” he said.
He described fire service as a critical sector that requires government investment, yet they seem unconcerned.
Odusola said after reviewing the budget, it is clear that Ilaje and Ikale should not expect any meaningful development in 2025.
"Those pushing for a cyberstalking or cybercrime law can proceed, but the people will not accept it. Ondo and Ekiti people are well-educated and know their rights," Odusola said.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters obtained an invitation letter from the Nigeria Police Headquarters, Ondo State Command, on Friday.
The letter, referenced CR 3000/ONS/CSOS/VOL 4/120, was dated February 12, 2025, and signed by CSP Adeganya Oyekanmi, the Officer in Charge of the CP Special Operations Squad, Nigeria Police, Akure.
In the letter, Odusola was accused of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
The letter reads, "This office is investigating a case of conduct likely to cause breach peace, which is a subject of petition in my office And your name was features.
"You hereby requested to report to this office on Monday 17th day of February, 2025 at about 10:00am, in other to interview the commissioner of Police through the Officer in charge of scorpion office, Wesco Estate Along Futa North gate Akure.”