Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, and residents of Ibadan on Tuesday disrupted an attempt by police officers from Kwara State to arrest Isese advocate Abdulazeez Adegbola, popularly known as Tani Olohun.
The confrontation occurred at Tani Olohun’s residence in the Ayegun Oleyo area of Ibadan, Oyo State, where videos circulating online showed a tense struggle between the traditional religion advocate, armed men believed to be police officers and residents who gathered at the scene.
The incident initially sparked confusion over the identity of the men and the legal basis for the operation.
Some residents accused the men of being kidnappers, questioning their civilian clothing and the absence of a visible number plate on the vehicle reportedly used during the operation.
Videos from the scene showed one of the men displaying an identity card after residents challenged their claim to be police officers. Another recording showed Tani Olohun being restrained during the confrontation as residents raised the alarm.
Members of Tani Olohun’s family subsequently contacted Igboho, who arrived at the scene with supporters.
The Yoruba activist was later seen speaking on the telephone with an alleged senior police official. He told the official that four officers were at the location and warned that the situation could escalate.
Tani Olohun was eventually not taken into custody.
A later video showed him seated on the ground in torn clothing as he thanked residents and those he said had intervened, including Igboho, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan and the Commissioners of Police in Oyo and Kwara states.
Police explain operation
The Oyo State Police Command later clarified that the men involved were officers from the Kwara State Command who had travelled to Ibadan on official duty.
The command said the officers were acting on a warrant issued by the Upper Ilorin Magistrates’ Court in connection with allegations bordering on conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
According to the police, the warrant followed Tani Olohun’s alleged failure to comply with conditions attached to bail earlier granted to him.
However, following the confrontation, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police directed the officers to return to their base.
The command also advised the complainant to approach the appropriate court in Ibadan, citing due process and the principle of territorial jurisdiction.
The police urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, warning against actions capable of disturbing public peace or escalating the situation.
The clarification means that the initial uncertainty surrounding the identity of the men and the legality of the arrest attempt has now been partly addressed by the police.
Religious controversy behind case
The reported arrest is connected to a legal dispute involving Tani Olohun and allegations arising from his social media activities.
The Ilorin Heritage Preservation Foundation reportedly accused him of publishing material that mocked an Islamic prayer and could provoke religious tension.
The allegations include conduct capable of causing a breach of public peace, contempt of religious creed and injurious falsehood.
The allegations remain unproven and are subject to judicial determination.
Tani Olohun has previously faced criminal proceedings in Kwara State over allegations including inciting public disturbance, disturbance of public peace, criminal defamation and intentional insult.
In 2023, he spent more than three months in custody before being granted bail.
His earlier case attracted considerable attention among Isese adherents and civil society groups, with debates focusing on religious freedom, freedom of expression and the preservation of Yoruba traditional practices.
Tuesday’s confrontation has now revived those concerns while introducing another question: how police authorities should execute an arrest warrant issued in one state when the person concerned is resident in another.
The immediate confrontation has ended, but the legal dispute has not. Reports indicate that the case has been adjourned until September 1, 2026.
Any fresh attempt to arrest Tani Olohun is likely to attract close attention following the events in Ibadan and the intervention by Igboho and residents.
