In a press statement, the Oba of Itori has responded to a recent online story about him…
There is a need to correct the false information and deliberate character assassination of our highly esteemed Royal father, His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Oba Abdul Fatai Akorede Akamo, the Olu Itori of Eba Land, by individuals purporting to be advocates of human rights in foreign lands and on social media.
The Director of media, Olu of Itori’s Palace, Prince Yomi Gbadebo, explained that despite initial reluctance to dignify the groundless and unfounded social media allegations with a response, they have chosen to issue a rebuttal to accurately inform the public and safeguard the revered Oba’s reputation from opportunistic attempts to tarnish it.
He emphasized that DS ADEGBENRO ICT POLYTECHNIC ITORI operates as a recognized government institution with a Governing council and all the necessary organizational components, completely independent from the management and operations of the Palace of the Olu of Itori.
The Palace, as the custodian of the ancient community, is open to anyone seeking solace or resolution through negotiation and dialogue. Unfortunately, certain individuals find it expedient to involve the Olu of Itori in matters solely concerning the Polytechnic in Itori.
At the onset of the malicious media trial of Kabiyesi, it was perceived as a plot by detractors to defame his character. Consequently, decisive actions were taken to unravel the truth behind the situation.
Contrary to the claims made by a media broadcaster that an individual named Akinyemi, employed at the Ds Adegbenro Polytechnic Itori, was apprehended and subsequently released through the Olu of Itori’s intervention, it was affirmed that these claims were entirely false and malicious.
It was clarified, for the record, that there was no report of a missing child or abduction made to the Palace of the Olu of Itori. The Palace had no knowledge of the alleged incident or the arrest of any individuals associated with such a case, let alone involvement in securing their release.
Moreover, kidnapping is undeniably a criminal matter that should have been reported to the Nigerian Police for thorough investigation and legal proceedings. If such a report had been filed, it is believed that the Police would have a comprehensive record of the case.
In addition, the Palace firmly asserted that the Olu of Itori has no ties with any of the individuals implicated in the alleged case, nor did he pursue the release of any such individual from police custody. Consequently, the public is urged to dismiss these baseless allegations entirely, with a challenge presented to anyone possessing contrary evidence to step forward.
Due to the sensitivity of the matter and the groundless accusations against His Majesty, diligent efforts have been undertaken to thoroughly investigate and unveil the truth in its entirety.
Attempts were made to contact the woman who was believed to be the guardian of the missing student during their time at the institution (Iya Ope), and she affirmed that the Olu of Itori had no involvement in the matter whatsoever.
Further inquiries were made regarding the bail of individuals apprehended by the Police. It was confirmed that Iya Ope’s husband, Obodo, facilitated her release from police custody. Similarly, Akinyemi’s aunt, employed at the ministry of sport in Abeokuta, and Pastor Tunde’s father were instrumental in securing their release from police custody.
The manipulative and unjust nature of subjecting a traditional ruler to a media trial without seeking the truth is disheartening, malicious, and without merit. Extensive efforts have been undertaken to provide clarity on the situation and to demonstrate that the Olu of Itori has no involvement in the claims made by the online program’s author.
The Palace also sought the perspective of the school’s Registrar on the matter, and he categorically dismissed any association between the Olu of Itori and the case, emphasizing the exclusive jurisdiction of the Nigerian Police in investigating and prosecuting individuals implicated in criminal activities.
It is distressing to observe the disrespectful treatment and ridicule aimed at the esteemed Kabiyesi by the individuals behind this program. In their unchecked propagation of lies, there is a dangerous potential for these falsehoods to eventually be perceived as truth, underscoring the necessity of rectifying attempts to entangle the Olu of Itori in needless controversies. Kabiyesi remains a father figure to all and is committed to ensuring the welfare of individuals within the institution.
Throughout the existence of the school in Itori, there has been no instance of Kabiyesi influencing student admissions. The institution operates independently, devoid of any interference or control from the Palace, as the affairs of the Palace are entirely disconnected from the administration of a higher education institution.
In conclusion, the public is urged to disregard the fabrications directed at the Olu of Itori. Kabiyesi Olu of Itori is a highly respected monarch in Yorubaland with no history of deportation from the US or UK. Kabiyesi continues to travel to both countries at his discretion, engaging in legitimate activities and upholding an impeccable reputation. The Palace implores the woman whose child remains missing to continue cooperating with the Police and implores the Nigerian Police to pursue every available lead until the resolution of the case, ensuring that those responsible for the crime are brought to justice, regardless of their standing. Collaboration and support for the family and law enforcement are imperative, rather than baseless accusations against an innocent party.
Finally, the Palace remains open to providing further clarification on this matter, if necessary. The Registrar of the institution and Prince Yomi Gbadebo, Director of media at Olu of Itori’s Palace, can be contacted for additional and thorough explanations. The registrar can be reached on his phone number, and Prince Yomi Gbadebo can be reached at 08056170318.