‘Stop Hiding Behind the Constitution!’ — Lanre Ogundipe Blasts Makinde as Kidnapping Crisis Deepens in Oyo

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Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lanre Ogundipe, has strongly criticized Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over the worsening security situation in the state, accusing him of using constitutional limitations as an excuse while kidnappings continue to rise.

In a statement that has generated widespread reactions across social media and political circles, Ogundipe described the governor’s repeated references to the constitutional structure of Nigeria’s security system as a “perpetual alibi” amid growing public anxiety over the safety of lives and property.

The veteran journalist’s remarks come as families across Oyo, Ekiti and Kwara states continue to grapple with the trauma of abductions, with reports indicating that more than 30 children and other residents remain in the custody of kidnappers in Oyo State.

While acknowledging that operational control of the police and other major security agencies rests with the Federal Government, Ogundipe argued that governors cannot completely absolve themselves of responsibility when insecurity escalates within their states.

According to him, Governor Makinde has exercised significant authority over security matters through the allocation of security votes, procurement of surveillance equipment, provision of logistics to security agencies and support for local security initiatives.

“Governor Makinde cannot, on the one hand, exercise extensive authority over security spending, deploy billions of naira in security votes, procure surveillance aircraft, provide vehicles and logistics to security agencies, only to turn around and claim helplessness when insecurity escalates,” Ogundipe stated.

He further noted that the Oyo State Government has actively supported and regulated local vigilante groups and community security structures through executive actions, making claims of limited influence difficult for many residents to accept.

Ogundipe expressed deep concern over the plight of abducted victims, especially children, stressing that the growing number of kidnappings represents more than statistics.

“Behind every number is a frightened child, a grieving parent, a devastated family and a traumatised community,” he said.

He painted a troubling picture of daily life in affected communities, where schoolchildren, teachers, farmers and traders increasingly live under the threat of violent attacks and abductions.

According to him, the security crisis has disrupted education, farming activities and economic productivity while leaving many families in constant fear.

The former NUJ president also questioned the commitment of political leaders to structural security reforms such as state policing, arguing that some governors who now complain about federal control failed to aggressively pursue constitutional changes when opportunities existed.

Drawing parallels with the debate over local government autonomy, he suggested that some political leaders demand decentralisation from Abuja while resisting similar reforms closer to home.

Ogundipe insisted that residents of Oyo State are more interested in tangible improvements to security than explanations about constitutional constraints.

“The people of Oyo State deserve more than explanations. They deserve results. At a time when innocent children remain in captivity and entire communities live in fear, leadership demands urgency, empathy, visibility, courage and unwavering commitment. The moment calls for action, not lamentation,” he said.

He urged Governor Makinde to provide a comprehensive account of how security votes, intelligence-gathering efforts, surveillance assets and collaborations with security agencies have been deployed to tackle kidnapping and violent crime across the state.

The media veteran warned against creating the impression that constitutional limitations have become a convenient refuge for failing to exhaust all available options to safeguard citizens.

Concluding his statement, Ogundipe called on Nigerians to remember abducted children and other victims in their prayers while urging political leaders to confront the security challenge with decisive action.

“History is often kinder to leaders who confront challenges with courage and results than to those who merely explain why solutions are difficult,” he stated.

The remarks have further intensified conversations around insecurity, state police and governance reforms across Nigeria, particularly in the South-West and North-Central regions where kidnapping and banditry continue to pose serious threats to communities.

As public pressure mounts on both state and federal authorities, many Nigerians are waiting to see whether concrete measures will be introduced to stem the tide of abductions and restore public confidence in the country’s security architecture.