OPC Disowns Ibadan Kidnapping Suspects, Warns Factions Against Trademark Infringement
The Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) on Wednesday publicly distanced itself from suspects arrested over the kidnapping of Mrs. Olaide Adegoke John-Paul, declaring that the individuals have no ties to the organization and warning political and corporate stakeholders against engaging unauthorized factions.
Speaking at the OPC’s Monthly Stakeholders’ Meeting in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Aare Prince Osibote, President Worldwide of the OPC, said the suspects linked to the abduction in Ibadan, Oyo State, were expelled from the Congress more than five years ago.
“We wish to state categorically and unequivocally that the suspects arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Mrs. Olaide Adegoke John-Paul — sister to the former Minister of Energy, Adebayo Adelabu — are not members of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress led by Prince Osibote,” Aare Osibote said.
“They do not represent us, they do not speak for us, and their unlawful actions have absolutely no bearing on the legitimate, authorized OPC.”
Founded by the late Dr. F. I. Fasehun, the OPC has undergone what Osibote described as an “extensive reformation process” under his leadership to purge “unruly elements” and restore the group’s foundational integrity.
“In the course of this internal sanitization, several undisciplined individuals were expelled,” Osibote stated. “Regrettably, rather than reforming, these expelled individuals chose to form a rogue faction.”
He credited the “firm leadership approach” with keeping the OPC’s official identity, values, and logo “entirely sacrosanct.”
The OPC commended the Nigeria Police Force for its “swift action” in the kidnapping case and urged authorities to pursue a full investigation. “We strongly implore the police authorities to conduct a thorough, exhaustive investigation to ensure that every single individual involved in this crime is prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Osibote said.
Aare Osibote issued a direct advisory to politicians, corporate bodies, and community leaders seeking security or community policing services. He cautioned against what he called a “dangerous, ongoing practice” of recruiting individuals off the street under the OPC name without official clearance.
“Every structured, legitimate organization must have a designated head to direct its activities. This applies strictly and completely to the OPC,” he said. “If there is a need to engage our gallant members for security duties, the leadership of the organization must be formally consulted.”
The Congress also moved to protect its brand, reminding the public that its official logo is a registered trademark under Nigerian law.
“We issue a stern and final warning to all unauthorized factions to immediately desist from using our official logo, or any lookalike variations, in their operations,” Osibote said.
He cited the OPC’s official trademark registration number as NG/TM/O/2021/24726 and urged the public, corporate institutions, and the security community to “take note of this vital distinction and completely refrain from dealing with entities operating outside the authentic leadership of Aare Prince Osibote.”
The statement was signed by Comrade Akin Adesina, National Public Relations Officer of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress Worldwide.
The kidnapping of Mrs. Olaide Adegoke John-Paul in Ibadan drew national attention due to her relation to Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Energy. Police have not yet released the full identities of suspects in custody. The OPC, formed in 1994, positions itself as a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization with security and community advocacy arms. Leadership disputes and factional claims have periodically surfaced over the past decade.
Oodua ni mi! Tokan-Tokan!