Why has Dadiyata refused to disappear? By Seun Kolade

By Seun Kolade. 

Nine years after he was abducted by unknown gunmen alleged by some to be state security agents, Dadiyata has re-appeared again like the proverbial Banquo’s ghost- a presence that unsettles power and resists erasure.

Abubakar Idris, widely known by his online pseudonym Dadiyata, was a Nigerian lecturer, social media commentator and civic critic whose voice resonated across northern Nigerian political discourse. Before his disappearance in August 2019, he had built a significant following by blending sharp political commentary with data-driven critique on governance, corruption and public accountability- often targeting powerful figures and administrations across state politics. On 2 August 2019, as he pulled into his home in Barnawa, unidentified armed men abducted him, and he has not been seen since, sparking sustained public outcry, legal actions and the long-running #WhereIsDadiyata movement demanding answers from authorities.

For years, debate swirled over who was responsible: many accused then-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai of complicity, given that the disappearance occurred under his watch. In a 2026 interview, El-Rufai denied Kaduna’s involvement and instead suggested Dadiyata was more fiercely critical of former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje, alleging a police confession about officers being sent from Kano. Ganduje has vehemently rejected such claims as “reckless and unfounded,” insisting the critic’s documented opposition was rooted in Kaduna governance, and calling for a transparent probe.

Regardless of where you sit about the truth of the claims and counter claims, this latest instalment of the Dadiyata "re-appearance" underlines a bigger truth that is of special relevance and resonance to Nigeria: it is practically impossible to kill an idea with brute violence. Let's dilate on that. In fact, it does not matter if it is a "bad" idea or good idea. Once you bring brute violence to the battleground of ideas, you automatically elevate an otherwise bad idea to a higher moral ground. And if it is a good idea, you elevate it higher still to a mythical realm, infusing it with transcendent powers to command stronger hold on minds and hearts of adherents. This is the ultimate paradox of brute force: it is an instrument of the weak unable or unwilling to engage in a battle of ideas; unable to mobilise superior arguments; unable to communicate to win hearts and minds with great ideas of their own.

Dadiyata was no philosopher. He was a public commentator with strong and often partisan views. He was an unapologetic supporter of former Kano state governor Rabiu Kwankaso, and his fierce criticisms of Kwankaso's successor, Ganduje, could be reasonably seen by some as an extension of his loyalty to Kwankaso. He was also a critic of the then Kaduna State governor El Rufai, in spite of the latter's disingenuous denial of knowledge of Dadiyata's existence.

The thing is, whether or not you agree with his views, Dadiyata has the rights to air them. If any of his public commentary was libelous, there are laws to resolve that and mete out appropriate consequences to offenders. Once you bring in brute violence and force, you elevate the man of ideas- good or bad ideas- to a higher moral, and human, pedestal. Arguably the most significant thing that distinguishes humans from beasts is the singular capacity to generate ideas and communicate them in language. It is precisely why ideas are the life force of human civilisation, and it is the highest form of human endeavour. It is no surprise that the most advanced societies, throughout history and contemporary times, are societies that cultivates, incentivises and rewards ideas. Conversely, the dark ages of human civilisations were the ages when men and women of ideas were hounded, killed and persecuted.

The German Philosopher, Friedrich Hegel, makes this point eloquently in his Phenomenology of Spirit (1807) and his Science of Logic (1812–16): human understanding, and the societies built on it, advance when we stop treating disagreement as a threat and instead work through it. For Hegel, clashing viewpoints expose what each side can’t see on its own; the friction forces clearer thinking, better institutions, and, over time, a more mature public life. He captures the engine of progress bluntly: “Contradiction is the very moving principle of the world.” As he puts it elsewhere, “The True is the whole,” meaning truth emerges through development, not instant certainty. When we allow competing ideas to meet in open argument, the aim is not endless quarrel, but a wiser outcome- often a third position that keeps what is strongest in both sides while correcting blind spots. That is how civilisations learn: by testing claims in the public square, refining norms, and widening collective freedom rather than shrinking debate.

Beyond the specific views he espoused, which anyone is free to support or contradict, Dadiyata stood for the transcendent idea that humans in society should be able to form and communicate opinions. It is for this very idea that Dadiyata wont disappear, seven years after he was disappeared. The capacity to form and express ideas is a distinctly human vocation and, when you think about it, the principal objective of education. Any leader that threatens this human vocation is not only unfit to lead, they are also inherently lesser humans by the very fact. There is no middle ground or hiding place on this matter.

While, in a liberal democracy, we elect representatives and office holders to take responsibilities, governance itself is, and has to be, a collective enterprise driven by the Office of the Citizen, the most important office of all in a democratic society. And it is through the exercise of freedom of thought and expression that citizens are able to bring their elected leaders under scrutiny, continuously demand accountability about how public resources are being deployed, and thereby elevating the quality of representation and the quality of governance.

Nigeria, sadly, is a country that has routinely meted violence, threat and intimidation on journalists, citizen inquirers, and public intellectuals. The 1986 parcel-bomb assassination of Dele Giwa, founding editor of Newswatch, remains one of the most chilling symbols of impunity. In 1995, writer and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others were executed after a widely condemned military tribunal. In 1998, investigative reporter Bagauda Kaltho disappeared; his remains were later linked to a bomb blast. In September 2009, journalist “Bayo” Ohu of The Guardian was shot dead in Lagos after his reports on corruption and the oil sector. Even in the social-media age, intimidation persists: in 2021, the army arrested and detained broadcaster and influencer Ahmad Isah (“Ordinary President”) over a broadcast that embarrassed security agencies, while journalists covering protests and insurgency have faced arrests, beatings, and equipment seizures. During the #EndSARS protests, security forces opened fire on demonstrators at the Lekki Toll Gate on 20 October 2020, an event documented and amplified by journalists and influencers who themselves faced harassment and asset freezes. These episodes- spanning military and civilian eras- signal a troubling pattern: when scrutiny is answered with force, the state weakens the very civic energy that sustains democratic life.

There is an even more troubling pattern here- one that suggests a nation-state in atrophy, inching towards the precipice. Political leaders, with the full weight of security agencies at their command, threaten, brutalise and intimidate journalists and ordinary citizens for speaking plainly, organising peacefully, or asking inconvenient questions online. Yet the same state often appears indulgent, sometimes even deferential, towards bandits and other open merchants of violence. The signal is perverse and corrosive: dissent attracts punishment, while violence attracts negotiation, recognition, and, in some cases, political relevance. When citizens learn that the safest way to be heard is to be feared, civic life begins to collapse into a grim marketplace of coercion. In such a climate, civil society is weakened, responsible leadership is disincentivised, and the public square is emptied of the very voices that make governance smarter, fairer, and accountable. A country that trains its institutions to hunt critics while tiptoeing around armed predators is not merely struggling with insecurity; it is eroding the moral logic of the state itself.

There is one final point to make. The recent lamentations of former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai offer an instructive lesson for all who have held, or still hold, power. He has watched a former protégé, now governor, turn against him; and his loudest denunciations of President Tinubu have gathered force only after he was sidelined from the inner corridors of influence. Yesterday’s ally becomes today’s inconvenience; today’s shield becomes tomorrow’s target. The Yoruba capture this truth with unsparing clarity: Igba kan kì í lọ bí oréré; ọba mẹ́wàá, igba mẹ́wàá- no season lasts forever; ten kings, ten eras. Power is episodic; authority is borrowed time. And when that time runs out, what remains is not the sirens, the swagger, or the machinery of state you once commanded, but the idea: what you stood for, the principles that shaped your choices, the restraint you showed when you could have been ruthless, and the memory you leave behind when the crowd has moved on.

_The power of ideas that elevate human consciousness and animate public service will always trump the idea of power as an end in itself._

Alaafin harps on imperative of religious conventions, says unity is greatest strength, asset of any society

Alaafin harps on imperative of religious conventions, says unity is greatest strength, asset of any society 

The Alaafin , Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has said that unity remains one of the greatest strength and asset of the people of any community, state and Nigeria despite their ethnic, religious, and cultural differences.

Speaking  at the SHAFAUDEEN International Mosque  2026 Annual Convention held in  Ibadan , the Oyo State Capital, Oba Owoade noted that religious conventions and institutions play a significant role in national stability by acting as foundational pillars for social order, moral guidance, and community cohesion.

The annual international convention was organised by the founder and spiritual leader of SHAFAUDEEN Worldwide, Wakajaiye Ibadan, Professor Engr Sabit Ariyo Olagoke who happened to be a lecturer for His Imperial Majesty Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. 

 These gatherings and the institutions behind them, he stated, promote shared values, mitigate social conflicts, and often bridge gaps in service provision, particularly in developing or transitional states.

 According to him, ""religious institutions serve as agents of socialization that foster community identity and harmony among diverse groups. They bring people together, encouraging cooperation, trust, and a shared sense of purpose.

""By fostering values such as honesty, integrity, and discipline, religious conventions help shape individual conduct, which reduces crime and strengthens social order.

Conflict Mediation and Peacebuilding: 

""Religious leaders and organizations frequently act as mediators in conflicts, utilizing their moral authority to promote reconciliation. They are often more trusted in fragile states than political leaders, making them effective agents for peace Religious tolerance and stability fostered by these groups create an environment that attracts investment and promotes economic growth"".

In many societies, the Alaafin pointed out that, religious institutions provide a framework for legitimacy and social stability by endorsing principles that resonate with the population, such as justice and equity.

""While having the potential to strengthen stability, religious conventions can also become points of contention if they fuel extremism, intolerance, or the politicization of faith. When religious differences are exploited for political purposes, they can lead to insecurity and hinder national development.

""To ensure that religious conventions enhance rather than disrupt stability, it is important to: promote understanding and reduce, prejudice,, and mistrust between different religious communities, build strategic partnerships between religious institutions and government bodies for development,  and emphasize universal moral principles that promote peace, justice, and service over divisive doctrines.  

Alaafin's extempore address was interjected with rounds of applause by delegates at the  convention  who were impressed by the Paramount Ruler's intellectual sagacity. 

Conclusively, Alaafin  highlights the significant impact of religious tolerance on a nation’s development, saying it is instrumental in driving progress and prosperity by fostering unity, social cohesion, and a harmonious environment within diverse societies.

He emphasized that embracing religious diversity and promoting respect for different faiths strengthens social bonds and encourages innovation, economic growth, and cultural enrichment. 

"" This inclusive approach unlocks the potential of all citizens, leading to a thriving environment conducive to national development"".

By Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and Superior Head of Yorubaland.

ALAAFIN OF OYO STRONGLY CONDEMNS THREATS AGAINST IRA, INAJA AND AHO COMMUNITIES, WARNS TERRORISTS TO STEER CLEAR OF YORUBALAND

PRESS RELEASE

From the Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo

Oyo, Oyo State | For Immediate Release

ON THE THREATS AGAINST IRA, INAJA AND AHO COMMUNITIES

The Throne of the Alaafin of Oyo has received, with profound concern, reports of a threatening letter allegedly dropped at the Ira market area, targeting the communities of Ira, Inaja and Aho in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, and vowing to strike “anytime soon.” The report further suggests that the authors of this cowardly letter claimed a spurious identity and sought to create panic through intimidation and fear.

Ira holds deep cultural significance within the wider Yoruba heritage as the ancestral hometown of the legendary Oya, wife of Sango. No community with such history and dignity, and indeed no Nigerian community anywhere, should be forced to live under the shadow of terror or to contemplate displacement from ancestral soil by faceless criminals.

The Alaafin condemns these threats and the violence that often follows them in the strongest terms. Such acts do not merely menace a few communities; they constitute a direct affront to the authority of the Nigerian state and a grave assault on the fundamental rights of citizens to live, farm, trade, worship, and raise their children in peace, without coercion, without extortion, and without fear. No criminal group, however hidden, has the right to dictate how our people live, where they sleep, or whether they remain on their ancestral soil. When terrorists attempt to impose fear as a substitute for lawful authority, they attack the very meaning of citizenship and the foundations of our collective order.

These threats emerge against a troubling backdrop of recent terrorist activity in the wider area, an escalation that has already cost lives and destroyed property, leaving families grieving and communities anxious. We must not normalise a situation where law abiding people live at the mercy of faceless criminals. We must not accept a reality in which villages empty at the sound of rumours, markets close under threat, and communities look over their shoulders as though fear has become a permanent resident.

At the same time, the Alaafin acknowledges that insecurity is a complex national challenge requiring sustained, coordinated action. It is encouraging that both the Kwara State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria have continued to demonstrate commitment to addressing insecurity and safeguarding affected communities. At this time, sustained, visible, and well coordinated efforts will further reinforce public confidence and reassure citizens that government protection remains active and dependable.

It is in this spirit of constructive national partnership, and with the urgency the moment demands, that the Alaafin respectfully calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria and all relevant security and intelligence institutions to intensify action immediately. The ongoing deployments, patrols, and operational engagements aimed at protecting law abiding communities, particularly those situated along forest pathways and other vulnerable terrains, deserve commendation. However, the present situation calls for a sustained and well coordinated security presence, backed by rapid response mechanisms, to reassure residents that protection is not occasional but consistent, not symbolic but effective. The safety of rural and border communities must command the same seriousness and urgency as the security of our major cities.

The Alaafin also urges the government to deepen intelligence gathering and preventive intervention. Beyond responsive measures, enhanced intelligence and preventive strategies are critical. Security threats rarely occur in isolation; they are often organised, financed, and facilitated through networks that can and should be identified, disrupted, and prosecuted within the framework of the law. The Alaafin therefore respectfully calls for strengthened inter agency cooperation, timely intelligence sharing, proactive intervention, and structured community engagement that enables early warning and prevention. Our communities hold local knowledge; the state holds lawful authority and capacity. The effective fusion of both can prevent incidents before they occur.

Clear, steady communication with affected communities and with their traditional rulers will also strengthen public trust. In moments of uncertainty, timely information and visible leadership help calm fears, counter misinformation, and demonstrate that government remains firmly present. Where communities feel heard and guided, panic recedes; where they feel abandoned, fear multiplies.

To the people of Ira, Inaja and Aho, the Alaafin stands with you, and we identify with you. These are not distant places to us; they form part of our shared cultural and human fabric, communities bound to us by history, kinship, and longstanding civilisational ties. Criminals must not turn our ancestral homes into bargaining chips. Terror must not violate our farms, our markets, our places of worship, or the dignity of our daily work.

The Alaafin urges residents to remain calm but vigilant, to cooperate fully with lawful security agencies, to strengthen community watchfulness through responsible channels, and to report credible suspicious movements promptly. Community vigilance must remain disciplined and coordinated, never reckless, never vengeful, never an excuse for disorder. We must protect our people without undermining the rule of law that ultimately protects us all.

To those responsible for these acts of violence, and to any individuals or groups who may be supporting them, the Alaafin offers this firm assurance. Yoruba traditional and community leaders across the country will not stand idly by while peace loving communities are threatened, displaced, or harmed. The Alaafin remains in close communication with other respected leaders across the country, including the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, as well as other royal fathers and community stakeholders, to ensure that the people of Ira and neighbouring communities receive the moral support, communal solidarity, and coordinated advocacy required at this time. We will continue to lend our voice and leadership to ensure that our people receive the protection and reassurance they deserve, and that the institutions of the Nigerian state discharge their constitutional responsibilities with full resolve.

Finally, the Alaafin delivers this unequivocal warning to terrorists and their sponsors. Steer clear of Ira, steer clear of Inaja, steer clear of Aho, and steer clear of every lawful community across our land. You will not rule by threat. You will not carve out no go areas for criminals. You will not silence peaceful citizens with fear. The Nigerian state must pursue you with lawful force; security agencies must dismantle your networks; and the justice system must hold you and your sponsors accountable.

May the Almighty grant protection to our people, comfort to families affected by violence, strength to those tasked with security, and enduring peace to every community living under the shadow of fear.

Signed,

Revd Dr Dele Kolade

Personal Assistant to the Alaafin of Oyo

Oyo, Oyo State

ALAAFIN Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1 : Royal Lamb with a Lion’s Heart (3)

" Alaafin Owoade  does not  seek personal glory or recognition but is more invested in elevating those around him. He  rules not from the front with a loud, authoritative voice, but from within, empowering his people to grow and succeed. And yet, underneath this soft, empathetic exterior lies the heart of a lion—brave, bold, and unafraid of challenges. The strength of a lion is used not to intimidate but to inspire. Alaafin Owoade's courage comes from a place of deep belief in his mission and a desire to protect and guide his people through adversity".

By Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and Superior Head of Yorubaland. 

Leadership is often associated with boldness, power, and control—qualities embodied by the lion, the king of the jungle. On the other hand, the lamb conjures images of gentleness, vulnerability, and submission. 

But what happens when a leader embodies both? When humility meets courage, and empathy stands beside authority, a unique leadership style emerges—a lamb with a lion’s heart. This paradoxical combination is a quiet but formidable force, reshaping the way we think about leadership in today’s world.

The Lamb: Quiet, Empathetic, and Grounded

The Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, is from all intents and purposes a lamb-like Monarch who doesn’t immediately command attention with his presence or bark orders with an iron fist. 

Instead, he listens, observes, and understands. 

In a world often filled with noise and ego, this quiet style stands out for its rare, understated power.

 Alaafin Owoade creates an environment where his people feel seen and heard—where every voice matters, and no one is just a cog in the wheel.

What makes the Royal  lamb powerful is its empathy. Iku Baba Yeye doesn’t rush to judge or demand results at the expense of people’s well-being. Instead, he fosters collaboration, trust, and an inclusive culture where innovation thrives.

 He is not afraid to share ideas, admit mistakes, or challenge the status quo, because he knows his rulership has his back.

In many ways, a lamb-like Monarch embodies servant leadership. His primary goal is to support and uplift his people, helping others shine.

He does not  seek personal glory or recognition but is more invested in elevating those around them. He  rules not from the front with a loud, authoritative voice, but from within, empowering his people to grow and succeed. And yet, underneath this soft, empathetic exterior lies the heart of a lion—brave, bold, and unafraid of challenges.

 Oba Owoade is very decisive, courageous and visionary.

At first glance, a lion-like Royal Father may seem like the complete opposite of a lamb. Lions are often seen as fierce, powerful, and relentless. They make bold decisions, take risks, and assert their dominance in times of uncertainty. Yet, in the metaphor of a lamb with a lion’s heart, these two qualities don’t conflict—they complement each other.

A Paramount Ruler  with a lion’s heart knows when to be decisive. He understands that while empathy and understanding are vital, there are moments when his people needs direction, clarity, and unwavering courage. 

Alaafin Owoade is not afraid to make the tough calls, take bold risks, or confront uncomfortable truths. In times of crisis, he  steps up and lead with conviction, ensuring that the people doesn’t waver or lose sight of the goal.

But here’s the key difference: the lion-like courage of Iku Baba Yeye is not driven by ego or a desire for power. It’s driven by purpose. His roar is not about asserting dominance or control but about rallying his people toward a common vision. 

The strength of a lion is used not to intimidate but to inspire. Alaafin Owoade's courage comes from a place of deep belief in his mission and a desire to protect and guide his people through adversity.

Iku Baba Yeye is a lion-hearted Royal Father who embodies fearless, strategic, and protective authority, driving his people with unwavering confidence and purpose.

His key traits include immense courage, strategic vision, decisive action in crises, and a nurturing, protective, and empowering nature towards his "pride" (people).

 He is self-reliant, resilient, and command respect rather than demanding it.

Alaafin Owoade tackles challenges head-on, walking through storms rather than fleeing them. He is brave enough to make dramatic changes and pursue unconventional paths. He makes firm, calculated, and timely decisions, especially during uncertain times.

To be continued........