Don’t crucify Opadokun for son’s involvement in Offa robbery — Shittu

A lawyer, Mr. Wahab Shittu, shares his views with our correspondent on the circumstances surrounding the recent raid on some banks in Offa, Kwara State, and the arrest of Chief Ayo Opadokun’s son, Kayode, in connection with the attacks

What is your take on the recent robbery of some banks in Offa, your hometown, during which many people were killed? It is an unfortunate, callous, crude and inhuman action which has brought a lot of sadness, anguish and pains to the people and friends of Offa town across the globe. It is a manifestation of a total collapse in the security architecture of not only the state but of our country. It is something that should be of great concern to every right-thinking Nigerian. This is because the security and welfare of the people remain the primary purpose of the government. If you observed what happened, armed men came to town, invaded the police station, killed police officers on sight and simultaneously robbed five banks in broad daylight, leaving in their trail, blood and tears. It is unprecedented in the history of robbery operations in Nigeria.

How did you feel when you got the information that a son of an Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Opadokun, is among the suspects arrested in connection with the robbery?

My attitude is that of shock and disbelief because the elder statesman, Opadokun, is one of the most respectable, decent, and patriotic Nigerians that I have met in my life. He was my classmate when he came to take his second degree at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, between 1983 and 1986. And I can confirm to you that Ayo Opadokun is a man of exemplary character and I can also confirm to you that his daughter, Bolanle Opadokun, actually practised in my chamber for nearly two years as a lawyer. She conducted herself very well. This fellow, called Kayode Opadokun, is unknown to me. I learnt he is the first son of Ayo Opadokun but there should be a distinction between Ayo Opadokun and Kayode Opadokun. Kayode, from what they said, is about 35 years old. Any child who is above 18 can answer for his activities, whether right or wrong.

I do not want to pass any judgment either on Kayode or on any other suspects until the final investigation.  If at the end of the investigation, it was found out that the young man is guilty, let the law take its course because the law is no respecter of persons. If at the end of the day, it is found out that Kayode Opadokun is guilty, then he is a disgrace to himself and people of that orientation and the law should not spare anybody. Speaking on Mr. Ayo Opadokun, I can say it anywhere that he is very decent and he would not tolerate evil anywhere even if it occurred in his backward because he is a man who believes in patriotism, honesty, integrity and he believes in hard work. You will recall that Mr. Ayo Opadokun was one of the trusted allies of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and he served as NADECO secretary, one of the principal groups who fought for the democracy we are enjoying in the country today. So, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, as far as I am concerned, is exemplary. Kayode Opadokun is on trial today. If he is found guilty, let the law take its course. If he is found innocent, then he has to contend with his destiny. I do not want to comment about him; I do not know the fellow; I have never met him. But I prefer to maintain an open mind until full investigations are conducted. But I think we should not stigmatise the name of Mr. Ayo Opadokun because of this ugly incident. The old man deserves his peace.

But some people are already casting aspersions on Mr. Opadokun…

 Those who are casting aspersions are doing so out of anger for what has happened. There is a theory in some quarters that perhaps he did not properly train his children. I disagree with that theory because as I said earlier, I know his daughter, who is of exemplary character. I also know he places high premium on discipline, integrity and justice and so, I will prefer to isolate or distinguish the person of Mr. Ayo Opadokun from Kayode Opadokun. I believe that Kayode Opadokun’s case should be treated separately.

So, how is Chief Opadokun taking the whole issue?

 His attitude is “let us wait and see.” He is eager to see the outcome of police investigation. He does not want to influence anything. He wants Kayode Opadokun to be treated just like any other suspect with all his rights guaranteed and his guilt is determined based on evidence. He would not interfere with the process. He would not deploy any influence. He is sad, naturally, that his son is in this kind of situation but what can he do? He has done what he has to do as a parent and all of us, what we can do in the lives of our children is to train them, whether they now decides to accept our training is entirely their own responsibility. Ayo Opadokun has done  his bit as a parent; he has worked hard in his life to earn a very good name and today, he remains a sad man because his son has been arrested in connection with a heinous crime and he is waiting to see whether his son is actually guilty or not. The travails of Kayode Opadokun are one of the challenges of his (Ayo Opadokun’s) life and I really sympathise with the old man.

There is an allegation that Kayode has been displaying criminal tendencies…

I do not know him. I have never met him in life. I cannot speak for him. I cannot confirm anything about him, whether he is criminally-minded, whether he is guilty or innocent, I do not know. But I know Mr. Ayo Opadokun as a decent and elderly statesman who has made imperishable contributions to our nation building. I also know some of Mr. Ayo Opadokun’s children, including Barrister Bolanle Opadokun, who has distinguished herself creditably well and she is still distinguishing herself. But as for Kayode Opadokun, I prefer to leave the judgment to the outcome of investigation. At the end of the trial process, I will be able to make up my mind if the young man is innocent or guilty. I do not know anything about his criminal activities.

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