Community leaders from Ilaje-Omuro in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have appealed to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to show clemency in the cyberstalking case involving one of their kinsmen, social crusader Emorioloye Owolemi, who is currently standing trial before a federal court.
The appeal came weeks after the Federal Government arraigned Owolemi before the Akure Division of the Federal High Court on a two-count charge bordering on alleged cyberstalking and offensive online communications, following posts he allegedly made on Facebook criticising the minister and questioning his academic credentials.
Court documents marked FHC/AK/3C/26 indicate that the defendant allegedly used his Facebook account on December 23, 2025, to publish statements deemed offensive and menacing against the minister from Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area, in an act prosecutors say contravenes provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.
The case has attracted considerable attention across the coastal communities of Ondo State and is scheduled to resume for hearing on March 26 at the Federal High Court in Akure.
Amid the controversy, the Ilaje-Omuro community stepped forward with a formal letter to the minister, signed by the community’s Chairman, Babatunde Omobone, appealing for understanding and reconciliation on behalf of the embattled activist.
The letter commended Tunji-Ojo’s stewardship at the Interior Ministry, describing his dedication as worthy of recognition, before turning to the central purpose of the appeal.
“We are compelled to bring to your attention a matter of concern regarding the conduct of Owolemi Emorioloye, a member of our community who had offended you,” the letter read.
The community leaders did not shy away from acknowledging that Owolemi’s actions were inappropriate and had reflected poorly on both the minister and his office, offering a direct apology on his behalf.
“We apologise for his attitude and actions which have caused embarrassment to you and which we believe reflected poorly on your ministry,” the letter stated.
While conceding the gravity of the situation, the leaders urged the minister to consider forgiveness, attributing the activist’s conduct to naivety and an insufficient appreciation of the legal consequences of his online posts.
“We believe he has learned a valuable lesson from this experience and is truly remorseful for his mistakes,” they wrote, adding that the community would take responsibility for guiding Owolemi and ensuring no repeat of such conduct.
The community also called on the minister to reconsider any punitive measures that might follow from the prosecution, expressing hope that the matter could be resolved through dialogue and reconciliation rather than prolonged litigation.
The dispute carries an added dimension: ahead of the cyberstalking trial, Owolemi had approached the court seeking a judicial inquiry into the minister’s academic qualifications, a move that deepened tensions between both sides and drew wider public scrutiny to the case.
