The Ogunsua Palace in Modakeke has strongly denied recent allegations made by Adeyinka Adeshina Obawale, describing them as fabricated, frivolous, and unfounded.
The Palace, through a statement signed by Chief Kola Olabisi, said the claims were aimed at maligning the character and integrity of the traditional ruler, Oba Joseph Olu Toriola Ajibise Ogo I.
Obawale, who has been presenting himself as ‘Oba Adeyinka Adeshina Obawale, the Oluoje of Ojenpetu’, recently alleged that the Ogunsua of Modakeke and some community leaders were behind violent attacks on him and his associates.
He also claimed an attempt had been made on his life and accused the monarch of discriminatory practices.
Read also: SDP Presidential Campaign Team Pays Courtesy Visit to Ogunsua
Ogunsua, Apetumodu, others declare support for Oyetola
MTN CEO’s father becomes new Ogunsua Modakeke
Reacting to these accusations, Chief Olabisi, who spoke on behalf of the Ogunsua Palace Media Committee, categorically denied all claims and stated that the allegations were not only false but a calculated attempt to mislead the public.
“We state categorically and unequivocally that the unsubstantiated allegations of an attempt on his life against the Ogunsua is a blatant lie,” the statement read.
The Palace noted that Obawale had allegedly relocated with his community from Gadumo in Kogi State and should not be taken seriously, describing him as a “self-styled monarch” seeking relevance.
“The alleged attempt on his life and destruction of property should be discountenanced as it is a ploy to malign our revered traditional ruler,” Olabisi said.
According to the Palace, the Ogunsua is a law-abiding leader who understands the legal implications of taking the law into one’s own hands.
“Kabiyesi Toriola is knowledgeable and well connected and acutely aware that it is criminal for anyone, irrespective of his status, to take the laws into his hand,” the statement added.
Chief Olabisi expressed regret that the Palace had to respond to the claims but said it became necessary to correct any public misconceptions.
“We would not have bothered to dignify the frivolous allegation with a response if not for the fact that a lie persistently repeated might be taken for the truth,” he stated.
The statement also questioned Obawale’s motives for blaming the monarch and community leaders for his run-ins with security operatives.
“We wonder why Mr Obawale is blaming the Ogunsua and other members of his community for his collision with security agents,” Olabisi noted.
The Palace further accused Obawale of acting on behalf of unknown sponsors to destabilise the peace in Modakeke.
“The earlier the self-styled ‘Oluoje of Ojenpetu’ realises that he is not capable of being used to destroy the person of our monarch… the better it will be for him,” the statement read.
On the accusation of discrimination against the Fulani community, the Palace said it was entirely false and misleading.
“The allegation of Obawale that our peace-loving monarch is discriminating against the Fulani people is a blatant lie from the pit of hell,” Olabisi emphasised.
He reiterated that Modakeke remains a hospitable town welcoming to all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity.
“The Modakeke community has, all along, been home to all Nigerians,” the statement read.
However, the Palace stressed that those who disturb the peace will not be tolerated.
“What our community abhors is the harbouring of enemies of peace… we would not hesitate to hand over [such persons] to security agents,” Olabisi said.
He warned that Modakeke would never be allowed to become a safe haven for criminals.
“If anyone thinks our Kabiyesi would close his eyes while his community is turned into a training ground for bandits… such a person is making a mistake,” he added.
Chief Olabisi assured that the monarch and the community leaders would remain committed to promoting peace and security.
“Our monarch and community leaders will not cease to continue to be focussed on peace and security,” he said.
The Palace appealed to national security agencies to investigate the matter and provide appropriate intervention.
“We appeal to the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, the National Security Adviser to extend their attention to the issue at stake,” Olabisi said.
Chief Olabisi confirmed that legal action would be taken against Obawale for defamation.
“The Kabiyesi has briefed his lawyers to take legal action against the unscrupulous individual,” the statement concluded.
