Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
An Ogun State–based cleric, Pastor Olawoye Kayode, has raised alarm after reportedly receiving an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS), a move he believes is directly linked to his outspoken criticism of Governor Dapo Abiodun regarding the worsening condition of roads across the state.
Pastor Kayode, who has been vocal about the deplorable state of infrastructure through his social media commentary and public messages, said the invitation came shortly after his most recent critique of the state government’s handling of road rehabilitation.
According to him, the sudden summons felt suspicious and politically motivated. “I have merely been speaking the truth about what our people are going through,” he said. “The roads in many parts of Ogun State are collapsing, and residents are suffering daily. If pointing that out is now a crime, then something is very wrong.”
The cleric emphasized that his comments were driven by concern for the welfare of ordinary citizens, not by any political agenda. “I am not against the governor personally,” he explained. “I am against bad governance. When roads destroy vehicles, when accidents keep happening, when businesses cannot function, someone must speak up. That is what I have been doing.”
Pastor Kayode said he fears the DSS invitation may be an attempt to intimidate or silence him. “I was shocked when I got the message. Instead of addressing the issues, it seems some people want to silence me. But I stand by everything I have said,” he stated.
His claims have triggered widespread discussion among Ogun residents and civil rights advocates, many of whom view the development as troubling. Activists warn that inviting citizens for simply criticizing government performance sends the wrong message in a democratic society.
Human rights advocate, Segun Adeyemi, commented on the situation, saying, “In a democracy, citizens have the right to hold their leaders accountable. If every critic is threatened or invited by security agencies, then freedom of speech becomes meaningless.”
Residents have repeatedly complained about the state of roads in Abeokuta, Ifo, Ado-Odo/Ota, Sagamu, and other localities, noting that deterioration has slowed transportation, increased accidents, and strained businesses. Pastor Kayode’s criticisms have amplified these concerns.
As of press time, neither the DSS nor the Ogun State Government has issued an official statement confirming or denying the invitation. However, the pastor insists he will honour the summons, even though he remains unsettled. “I will go, because I have nothing to hide,” he said. “But I will not stop speaking the truth. The people deserve better.
Residents and civil society groups say they are watching the development closely, describing it as a test of the state government’s tolerance for dissent and the strength of democratic freedoms in the region.
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