Political violence and persecution continue to be a significant challenge to Nigeria’s democratic development, manifesting in various forms such as assassination, intimidation, and hate speech. This issue has a long history, with a number of high-profile cases highlighting the dangers faced by those who engage in politics.
One of the most notable cases is the murder of Dr. Ayo Daramola, a former World Bank consultant who was killed in broad daylight in Ekiti State in 2006 after he entered politics. In a similar event in 2009, Mr. Kehinde Fasuba, the identical twin brother of the Ado Local Government Chairman, was also killed. These cases underscore the lethal risks associated with political rivalry.
The story of Mr. Oyenola Rasak Tiwalade, a former leader of the house in Remo North Local Government, Isara Remo, Ogun State, offers a more recent and harrowing example of political persecution. Hunted for his political beliefs in 2023, Tiwalade reportedly survived two separate assassination attempts, with his car left riddled with bullets. The threats have forced him to flee Nigeria and seek refuge abroad, turning him into a fugitive in his own country.
As observers of Nigeria’s political landscape question when the violence will end, the case of Tiwalade serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that must be overcome for Nigerian democracy to truly flourish and for the rule of law to be fully entrenched.