Fresh revelations have emerged linking individuals identified by activist Omoyele Sowore as suspects in the October 30 attack on him to leadership positions within President Bola Tinubu's City Boy Movement. Ijarotimi Ayodeji Akintade, whom Sowore accused of participating in the attack, has been named as the Chief Security Officer of the Ekiti State chapter of the City Boy Movement. Adenijo Olusola, also identified by Sowore as a principal suspect, has been named as State Treasurer.
The City Boy Movement is a youth-driven political and civic advocacy organization founded in 2022 to support President Tinubu's political ambitions and presidential campaign. The movement is heavily tied to the Tinubu family through Seyi Tinubu, the president's son, who serves as the Patron of the movement. It was originally created as a grassroots support group ahead of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election to mobilize youth voters for Tinubu.
The executive announcement, signed by the movement's Director of Media and Communications, Alofe Ayodele Moses, and dated July 4, 2026, lists the individuals among officials responsible for coordinating the organization's activities across Ekiti State. Although the announcement predates the October 30 attack, its contents have raised questions about the political affiliations and possible connections of individuals accused of involvement in the violence.
Sowore has publicly identified Ayodeji Akintade as one of the individuals involved in the attack against him and his associates at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti on October 30. The activist has also identified Sola Adenijo, popularly known as "Solar," as a leading participant in the assault, which left members of his team injured and resulted in the theft of phones and other personal belongings.
The involvement of Asiwaju Kasali Oluwafemi in the movement's leadership has also attracted attention. Sowore had previously accused Kasali of threatening to physically assault his wife after he criticized Governor Biodun Oyebanji during a marathon event in Ekiti State last year. The activist has also accused Kasali of making threats ahead of the October 30 attack and of publicly celebrating after the incident.
The revelations come amid growing controversy over the handling of the October 30 attack by the Ekiti State Police Command. Sowore has repeatedly accused the police authorities of failing to apprehend principal suspects despite the availability of video recordings and other materials which he says identify those responsible. The Ekiti State Police Command previously announced the arrest of 11 individuals in connection with the violence.
Sowore has demanded an independent investigation into the incident and the preservation and forensic examination of all available evidence. The emergence of the executive list has intensified concerns raised by Sowore about political violence and the activities of groups mobilizing support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Key points
- The City Boy Movement has named suspects in the attack on Omoyele Sowore to key positions in its Ekiti State chapter.
- The suspects, Ijarotimi Ayodeji Akintade and Adenijo Olusola, have been named as Chief Security Officer and State Treasurer respectively.
- The development has raised concerns about political violence and the handling of the attack by the Ekiti State Police Command.
