April 2, 2026
A former aspirant for the Lagos State House of Assembly and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Prince Amb (Dr) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, has declared that a court has struck out a case instituted against him for lack of merit and absence of credible evidence.
Ewenla, who described the outcome as a vindication, attributed his victory to divine intervention, stating that the allegations against him were false, malicious, and politically motivated.
Allegation of Unlawful Detention
In a statement made available to the public, Ewenla recounted how he was allegedly unlawfully detained for 37 days during his political aspiration in 2019 under the administration of then Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal.
According to him, the ordeal was orchestrated by political opponents due to his ambition to contest for elective office.
He emphasized that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to participate in politics, noting that his experience suggested otherwise, particularly as a member of an opposition party in Lagos State.
Declared Wanted Without Invitation
Ewenla expressed concern over the circumstances that led to him being declared wanted, stating that he was neither invited via phone nor through any official communication before the declaration.
He maintained that he did not evade arrest and voluntarily presented himself at the OC SARS, Ikeja Police Command upon learning of the allegations.
However, instead of following due process, he alleged that he was detained for 37 days, while his wife was held for nine days and seven members of his campaign team were also detained for several days.
Alleged Political Influence in Detention
He further alleged that during his detention, an Investigating Police Officer identified as Ogbeshigidi questioned his involvement in opposition politics in Lagos State, allegedly stating that no one could secure his bail without an order “from above.”
Ewenla said this statement confirmed the political undertone of his detention.
He added that it was only after his legal team, alongside his late brother, Babatunde Kode, escalated the matter and invoked his fundamental human rights that he was eventually arraigned in court and granted bail three days before the gubernatorial election.
Pipeline Vandalization Allegation
Ewenla also addressed allegations linking him to a pipeline vandalization incident in Abule-Egba in December 2018.
He stated that despite clear statements from actual suspects denying his involvement, he was still declared wanted and publicly associated with criminal activities.
He noted that he was never paraded with the suspects, which he described as further evidence of an attempt to frame him and damage his reputation.
Claims of Political Intimidation
The PDP chieftain alleged that after refusing to defect to the ruling party, he became a target of political intimidation.
He claimed that following his victory in a House of Representatives primary election in 2022, a case that had already been struck out was revived amid internal party disputes.
According to him, the development coincided with a controversial declaration of the primary election as inconclusive by some party leaders.
He said a petition submitted to the party’s national leadership led to the scheduling of another primary election, during which the previously struck-out case was reactivated, before it was eventually dismissed again, leading to his discharge and acquittal.
Call to Security Agencies
Ewenla called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army, to remain neutral and professional, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
He urged them to resist political pressure and ensure that no Nigerian is persecuted for participating in politics.
He also appealed to the media and other stakeholders to uphold justice and fairness.
Commitment to Politics
Despite the challenges, Ewenla reaffirmed his commitment to political participation, stating that he would not be intimidated or discouraged.
When asked about his plans for the 2027 general elections, he stated that he would decide based on the direction of the party leadership or after the Supreme Court judgment concerning the PDP.
Appreciation
He expressed gratitude to several individuals, including Barrister Ejide Lawal, Omolola Oyetoro, Adedipe Modupe Oyinlola, Omolola Salami, the late Babatunde Kode, Adedipe Nuren, Adekunle, and Shodiya Abraham Adebayo, among others, for their support and encouragement.
Background
Ewenla is the MD/CEO of Adedas Development Foundation and holds multiple professional qualifications, including BSc, B-Tech, MSc, and certifications in surveying, real estate, and security.
He currently serves as PDP Southwest Ex-officio.
