An Itsekiri activist, known as the ‘Lord of Warri,’ has written to Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, demanding justice for the murder of Alex Timileyi, a 200 level student at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.
Timileyi was allegedly beaten to death by fellow students over a phone theft accusation.
Lord Of Warri @Lord_Of_Warri wrote on X:
An Open Letter to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State:
Regarding the Tragic Murder of Prince Alex Timileyi of the Warri Kingdom at Crowther University, Oyo State.
His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde
Oyo State Government
Ibadan, Oyo State
Your Excellency,
I am writing to bring to your attention the tragic and brutal murder of a prince from the Warri Kingdom at Crowther University in Oyo State. The prince, Alex Timileyi, was the son of Princess Antonia Emiko, daughter of Olu Erejuwa II (1951-1986), and an aunt of the current Olu of Warri. He was also a first cousin of His Majesty, Ogíamè Atuwatsé III CFR, the Olú of Warri Kingdom.
This incident has left us deeply saddened and concerned about the safety and security of students in schools not just in Oyo State but in Nigeria as a whole. As Itsekiri people, we appeal to you, the Governor of Oyo State, Makinde, to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.
While we are aware that the deceased was alleged to have stolen, we vehemently oppose the act of taking the law into one’s hands without proper investigation. The claim that he was caught with a stolen phone led to a brutal 6hours torture, the beating that began on Friday at 6pm and tragically ended with his death on Saturday at 10am. This inhumane treatment is unacceptable. No one should be punished without a fair trial and due process. It is equally unacceptable for the school management and the perpetrators of this crime to go unpunished.
According to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the courts of law, with both sides having an opportunity to present their case and evidence. However, the young prince was neither on trial nor was he arrested. Instead, he was beaten to death. He was also the only son of his mother, making this loss even more devastating.
Therefore, we urge your office and the security agents in Oyo State to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and ensure that justice is served. The perpetrators of this heinous act must be held accountable and face the full wrath of the law. We cannot allow the murder of an Itsekiri prince to go unpunished. It is important for His Excellency to know that the Yoruba and Itsekiri people are one and the same. Allowing these murderers to go free would be equivalent to allowing the killers of your own family members to go unpunished, without seeking justice.
Your Excellency, we eagerly await your swift action in bringing the culprits to justice.
