From Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Investigative journalist and online editor at Within Nigeria, Sodiq Adewale, has been invited to appear before Zone 11 Police Command, Osogbo, following a petition filed by a member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing Oriade State Constituency, Kanmi Ajibola.
According to Lawal, he received a call from a police officer named Alao on Wednesday, September 4, requesting his presence at the command.
The petition, which also named two other individuals, Tunde Omole and Ogunsanya Olasunkanmi, accused them of criminal defamation, among other charges.
In a press statement released by Lawal and made available to newsmen yesterday, he clarified his position on the matter, stating that his involvement has been purely in response to public outcry over the alleged underperformance of 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 Ajibola, aimed at seeking divine intervention to improve the legislator’s performance in June.
He added that the fasting was done out of concern for the welfare of the constituency, whose needs have allegedly been neglected under his 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 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 his constituents and meet their expectations.
The petition, filed by Ajibola, accused Lawal and others of defamation for their public comments and criticism. Lawal, however, highlighted what he saw as an irony, pointing out that Ajibola had previously criticised past administrations in Osun State, calling for better governance and transparency.
“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.
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.
