The Pastor of Zion Church in Ijoko, Ogun State, Olawoye Kayode, has raised concerns over what he describes as covert attempts by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to trail and intimidate him following his outspoken criticism of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the cleric narrated how two men who identified themselves as DSS officers from the Abeokuta command stormed his church four days earlier, demanding to know his whereabouts without offering any official explanation. A church worker, who refused to disclose his location, was reportedly handed two phone numbers before the men left.
Kayode said he later called the numbers on Monday, December 8, and one of the men confirmed he was a DSS officer. The officer allegedly told him that the agency’s newly posted boss wanted a “familiarisation meeting” with him, adding that the pastor was now becoming “a stakeholder in Ogun State.”
The pastor said he immediately informed his lawyer and senior church leaders, who advised him to insist on a formal, written invitation before meeting with any security agency.
“I represent the Christian body in Ogun, about 70 percent of our population. I speak for the suffering grassroots. My fathers in the faith and my lawyer made it clear: if the DSS wants to invite you, it must be through a formal letter,” he said.
Kayode noted that when he asked for the official letter, the officer responded that there was “no problem,” a comment he interpreted as a potential warning sign. He said he is still waiting for the official document.
Meanwhile, the cleric claimed he had received credible intelligence indicating that unknown men—believed to be DSS operatives—had been sighted driving around his church premises in black SUVs, heightening fears of a possible abduction attempt.
Kayode, who has been a consistent critic of Governor Abiodun, accused the administration of plunging the state into infrastructural decay. He lamented that bad roads and poor governance had crippled businesses and forced many residents to migrate to Lagos.
“In over six years, nothing has changed. Ogun is backward. Roads are terrible, people are losing their businesses. One man told me he had to shut down his company because bad roads destroyed everything,” he said.
He also criticised the governor’s perceived indifference, recalling reports that Abiodun once dismissed public complaints with laughter.
Declaring he is not afraid, Kayode said he would honour any legitimate invitation—but only with proper documentation and in the presence of his lawyer.
“Ogun State shall be great again. Every force fighting the progress of this state will fall. We refuse to bow to intimidation,” he declared.
