The Ilaje Advancement Forum (IAF) has petitioned the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Council in Ondo State, accusing personnel of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, of brutalising a resident, Mr. Gbemi Edema, and leaving him in a deteriorating medical condition.
In a letter dated November 25, 2025, and signed by the Forum’s Moderator, Comrade Daodu Oluwajuwon George, the group alleged that naval operatives, acting “under the direct supervision and instruction” of the Base Commanding Officer, Capt. Aliyu Usman, “mercilessly beat” Mr. Edema, inflicting life-threatening injuries.
IAF said the victim has remained in critical condition and accused the Ilaje council leadership of “silence and inaction” since the incident. The group faulted the council for failing to issue an official statement, provide medical support, or intervene to end what it described as a “reign of terror being unleashed on our people by Capt. Usman and his men.”
According to the Forum, the council’s failure to respond amounts to “complicity in this act of naval lawlessness and terrorism against Ilaje sons and daughters.”
Demands Issued to Local Government
The group issued several demands, including:
- Full assumption of Mr. Edema’s medical bills until his complete recovery
- A public condemnation of the alleged assault
- Immediate steps to halt what it described as ongoing harassment and intimidation of Ilaje residents by officers of FOB Igbokoda
IAF warned that failure to address the victim’s medical needs within 48 hours of receipt of the letter would trigger a “total shutdown” of the Ilaje Local Government Secretariat.
The proposed civil action, according to the group, would be “peaceful but total, sustained, and irreversible,” noting that no staff, vehicles, or officials would be allowed access to the secretariat during the protest.
The Forum added that it would not be held liable for any breakdown of law and order should authorities attempt to forcefully enter the premises.
“Ilaje people have endured enough humiliation, brutality, and abandonment. The era of silence in the face of oppression is over,” the group stated.
Authorities Notified
Copies of the protest letter were sent to:
- The Governor of Ondo State
- The Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly
- The Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy FOB Igbokoda
- Traditional rulers in Ilaje
- The National Human Rights Commission
- Amnesty International (Nigeria)
- Several media organisations
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