The lawmaker representating Oriade State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Kanmi Ajibola, has petitioned the police, accusing three individuals of criminal defamation.
Osun Defender gathered that the lawmaker Ajibola on September 5, 2024, filed a complaint against a journalist, Sodiq Lawal and two other – Tunde Omole, and Ogunsanya Olasunkanmi.
Reacting to the petitioned, Lawal, who is an online editor at Within Nigeria, noted that Ajibola’s action was as a result of the criticism of the lawmaker by a a group known as Oris Solidarity Forum from Oriade Local Government, over his alleged underperformance.
Sodiq who is a journalist, said Oris Solidarity Forum had in June 2024 declared a three-day fasting and prayer session, urging constituents to pray for Ajibola due to his perceived neglect of their needs.
Osun Defender had reported that the group had highlighted a year of what they described as a lack of engagement from Ajibola and criticized his sole public contribution as changing the state’s slogan and logo.
However, Ajibola in response to the criticism denied the allegations, noting that he had been performing his duties as expected.
He argued that the allegations against him are baseless and that he has been fulfilling his duties as a lawmaker.
Meanwhile, Lawal after receiving a police summons, following Ajibola’s petition, rejected the accusations, stating that the criticisms were intended to call the lawmaker to account rather than defame him.
In a statement on Thursday, Lawal said the lawmaker’s action was an attempt to stifle legitimate dissent and suppress calls for better governance.
He added that the fasting was done out of concern for the welfare of the constituency.
“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.
“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.
Osun Defender
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