For now, Senator Lola Ashiru remains firm in his stance, preparing to clear his name through any legal or investigative process that may follow. His community stands behind him, awaiting the next steps in this high-profile case.
By Gbolahan Balogun
Tension has escalated between Senator Oyelola Ashiru, who represents Kwara South in Nigeria’s Senate, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after the agency claimed to have discovered hard drugs and other illicit substances during a raid on the senator’s Ilorin residence in February.
The NDLEA made this allegation public on Monday during a press briefing in Abuja, led by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi. Senator Ashiru, however, has vehemently denied these claims and accused the agency of being ineffective and compromised, suggesting that the accusations against him are politically motivated.
As the media storm surrounding the allegations grows, two prominent organisations from Senator Ashiru’s hometown of Offa, Kwara State, have stepped forward to defend him, questioning the timing and validity of the NDLEA’s claims.
These groups – the Offa Descendants Union (ODU) and the Offa Metropolitan Club – have both issued statements casting doubt on the legitimacy of the drug-related accusations while calling for calm and a thorough investigation into the matter.
ODU Questions NDLEA’s Motives and Evidence
The Offa Descendants Union (ODU), in a strongly worded statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Taofeek Olalekan Olaosebikan, expressed serious concerns over the NDLEA’s allegations.
ODU pointed out that the drug claims emerged shortly after Senator Ashiru’s vocal criticism of the NDLEA during a Senate debate in which he advocated for the establishment of the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation. During the debate, Ashiru referred to the NDLEA as “the most compromised agency,” criticizing its handling of drug-related issues in Nigeria.
ODU stated that the timing of the allegations, coming just after this public critique, raises serious questions about the motives behind the NDLEA’s actions.
According to the union, there is a real possibility that the charges could have been orchestrated in retaliation for the senator’s outspoken remarks, aimed at damaging his credibility and stifling his contributions to critical legislative discussions.
In their statement, ODU emphasised the need for a fair and transparent investigation. They cautioned against jumping to conclusions, noting that such accusations, especially without solid evidence, could tarnish the reputation of public officials unjustly.
“We express concerns that the NDLEA’s assertions may be motivated by political factors rather than being based on credible investigative findings,” ODU said. They called for due process and urged the agency to back up its claims with verifiable evidence instead of relying on speculation or conjecture.
ODU reiterated that Senator Ashiru, as a law-abiding citizen, is fully prepared to present his side of the story and defend himself before any panel or court of law. The union also advised those opposed to the senator to refrain from engaging in smear campaigns and to instead approach the situation with reason and impartiality.
ODU closed its statement by reaffirming its commitment to supporting law enforcement in its battle against drug trafficking but insisted that such efforts must be rooted in justice and fairness..
Offa Metropolitan Club Calls for Calm and Constructive Dialogue
Similarly, the Offa Metropolitan Club, a prestigious social group in which Senator Ashiru holds membership, has stated support of the embattled senator. The club, in its release signed by its leadership, described the situation as an “unfortunate media face-off” between the NDLEA and Senator Ashiru.
While acknowledging the devastating impact of drug abuse on Nigerian society, the club stressed that both parties—Senator Ashiru and the NDLEA—are equally committed to addressing the menace of drug trafficking and abuse.
The club expressed disappointment in what they described as a “needless” and escalating confrontation between the senator and the NDLEA, suggesting that it undermines the larger goal of curbing drug abuse. They urged for a de-escalation of the public spat and called for both sides to demonstrate maturity and engage in constructive dialogue.
Describing Senator Ashiru as a man of impeccable character, the Offa Metropolitan Club highlighted his contributions to the development of Offa and the wider Kwara South senatorial district. The club noted that Senator Ashiru, long before venturing into politics, had a successful career as an architect and property developer, running a pan-Nigerian practice that continues to thrive today. They also emphasised that Senator Ashiru has no known history of involvement with drugs or illicit substances and is not even known to consume alcohol.
The club further affirmed Senator Ashiru’s standing as a responsible family man, dedicated father and grandfather, and a respected elder in the community. They argued that the senator’s long-standing integrity and contribution to society make the allegations against him implausible.
“We therefore wish to allude to his good character and pedigree as a responsible husband, father, grandfather, and even senior citizen. It is on this basis that we stand firmly with him,” the statement read.
The Offa Metropolitan Club called for calm and a return to civility in the ongoing dispute. They urged the NDLEA and Senator Ashiru to seek a resolution through constructive engagement rather than further media confrontations. The club also reiterated the need for all parties to focus on the broader goal of fighting drug abuse in Nigeria and to approach the issue with a sense of responsibility and shared purpose.
The Path Forward
As the situation continues to unfold, both the Offa Descendants Union and the Offa Metropolitan Club have expressed their unwavering support for Senator Oyelola Ashiru.
They are calling for a fair and thorough investigation into the NDLEA’s claims, emphasising that any accusations should be grounded in fact, not political manoeuvring or retaliation. The senator’s supporters are also urging for calm and dialogue, stressing that the fight against drug abuse should not be sidetracked by personal vendettas or smear campaigns.
For now, Senator Ashiru remains firm in his stance, preparing to clear his name through any legal or investigative process that may follow. His community stands behind him, awaiting the next steps in this high-profile case.
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