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Investigative journalist and online editor at Within Nigeria, Sodiq Lawal Adewale, has been invited to appear before the Zone 11 Police Command, Osogbo, following a petition filed by Hon. Kanmi Ajibola, a member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing the Oriade State Constituency.
According to Lawal, he received a call from a police officer named Alao on Wednesday morning, September 4, 2024, requesting his presence at the command.
The petition, which also named two other individuals, Tunde Omole and Ogunsanya Olasunkanmi, accuses them of criminal defamation, among other charges.
In a press statement released by Lawal and made available to newsmen on Thursday, September 5, he clarified his position on the matter, stating that his involvement has been purely in response to public outcry over the alleged underperformance of Hon. Kanmi Ajibola.
Lawal emphasized that he had no personal or business relationship with the lawmaker, but only acted in his capacity as a social critic and advocate for the people of Oriade.
It would be recalled that Lawal, alongside other concerned citizens, declared a three-day fasting and prayer session for Hon. Ajibola, aimed at seeking divine intervention to improve the legislator’s performance in June, 2024.
He added that the fasting was done out of concern for the welfare of the constituency, whose needs have allegedly been neglected under Ajibola’s tenure.
“The people of Oriade are going through trying times. As a journalist and natural leader of the disadvantaged, I felt it was important to take action. When leaders fail, we turn to prayers, as is common in our culture. All we asked was for Hon. Ajibola to step up his legislative duties and show accountability toward those who voted for him.”
Lawal also suggested that the lawmaker should pursue further training in leadership and representation to better engage with his constituents and meet their expectations.
The petition, filed by Hon. Ajibola, accuses Lawal and others of defamation for their public comments and criticism. Lawal, however, highlighted what he sees as an irony, pointing out that Ajibola himself had previously criticized past administrations in Osun State, calling for better governance and transparency.
“Hon. Kanmi Ajibola, like many weak leaders, has resorted to using the police to intimidate and suppress critics.
“It is unfortunate that instead of appreciating the prayers and fasting done by his constituents, he has chosen to wage a legal war against those who only seek his success in office.”
In a show of respect for the law and security agencies, Lawal confirmed that he would honour the police invitation on Friday, September 6, 2024.
He urged the people of Oriade to remain calm and watch the process unfold, assuring them that his actions have always been in the interest of a better and more accountable Oriade constituency.