The Ogun State Government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Remo Federal Constituency have exchanged accusations over the violence that erupted in Sagamu following the new naira‑scarcity protests. In a statement released on Monday, the state government described the unrest as politically motivated and blamed the PDP for orchestrating it. Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kunle Somorin, claimed that some PDP members were meeting, leading to a breakdown of law and order, and that the protest was a reaction to the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) successful rally on Sunday.
Somorin’s statement read: “Early this morning, a politically motivated violent protest took place in Sagamu, during which innocent people were attacked while banks and public infrastructure were destroyed and razed down by fire. We were reliably informed that some disgruntled members of the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, and some of the party’s candidates were seen leading the demonstration. While the protests were purportedly against the ‘scarcity of naira notes,’ the real intention of these elements became obvious with the involvement of known PDP members. We believe strongly that it was the success of the APC rally of yesterday (Sunday) that frustrated the feeble opposition PDP and prompted its members to embark on the mindless destruction of property.”
The statement called for calm and warned that Governor Abiodun would not spare any effort to address the effects of naira scarcity. It emphasized that attacks on innocent people and the destruction of private and public property would worsen the situation, urging the public not to be misled by “desperate politicians” and to remain patient and law‑abiding while awaiting elections. Somorin added that police had made arrests and launched investigations, noting that Ogun State is recognized as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states and that “the full wrath of the law will be borne by the culprits, no matter who their sponsors are.”
In response, PDP House of Representatives candidate for Remo Federal Constituency, Bola Oluwole, rejected the accusations, claiming the APC was fearful of his growing popularity. In a statement titled “Allegation of Masterminding Sagamu Protest is to Smear My Image – Hon Bola Oluwole,” he asserted that neither he nor his party instigated the violence. He urged the APC‑led government to address the situation rather than blame innocent Nigerians, stating: “My attention has been drawn to a broadcast message circulating that I am the mastermind of the violent protest in Sagamu Remo. This action is the handiwork of the opposition in the ruling party, APC, who are hellbent on destroying and smearing my image. They are afraid of my growing popularity as we approach the elections on Saturday.”
Oluwole emphasized his commitment to peace, describing himself as a grassroots politician who cares for his constituents. He noted that the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, had met with all National Assembly candidates the previous evening to strategise for the election, leaving no opportunity for him to mobilise a violent protest. He condemned the attacks on banks, appealed to youths to be patient, and urged the public to disregard the inflammatory messages and continue their daily activities in peace.
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