The Olugbesan family from Oke-Agbeni in Ibadan has demanded a public apology and retraction from faceless accusers who have allegedly defamed Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and the family's leader.
This call for accountability follows the emergence of a statement on September 20, 2024, on Opera News, released by individuals claiming to be family members. The statement criticized Gbolarumi for purportedly undermining Prince Gbolagade Adeyemi, CEO of MICH Royal Company Nigeria Limited, and accused him of making false claims regarding payments for family land sales.
In response, the Olugbesan family argued that Prince Gbolagade Adeyemi is behind these allegations, asserting that he has misused a power of attorney granted by the family to unjustly sell family properties without their consent and failed to deposit the proceeds into the family's account. The family contends that Adeyemi is orchestrating these faceless accusations to divert attention from his own misconduct.
The family's demands include a retraction of the accusations, a public apology published in two national newspapers, and a compensation of N1 billion for reputational damages inflicted upon Gbolarumi. They assert that the allegations have severely tarnished Gbolarumi's image as a respected political and community leader.
In a statement issued by the baálé and family secretary, several points were emphasized:
1. Gbolarumi is the rightful leader of the family.
2. There has been no evidence of any unauthorized collection of proceeds from the family land.
3. No payments/sales agreement from Prince Adeyemi have been acknowledged or signed off by any family member.
4. The family convenes meetings on a weekly basis.
5. The family is unaware of the "stakeholders" referenced in the allegations.
6. The power of attorney previously granted to Adeyemi has been revoked due to his alleged fraudulent actions.
7. The family declared it will have no further dealings with Adeyemi until he settles a debt of N65 million accrued through his actions.
8. The individuals he is using to sow discord within the family are not authentic members of Olugbesan.
9. The Olugbesan family remains united and well-organized under Gbolarumi's leadership.
10. Gbolarumi’s integrity and longstanding reputation will not be tarnished by these accusations.
11. The family demands proof of Gbolarumi's alleged improprieties regarding land sales.
12. Adeyemi's attempts to delay accountability will not succeed.
13. Gbolarumi is committed to protecting family interests and has reported the matter to the security agencies regarding the N65 million owed by Adeyemi and his cohorts.
The Olugbesan family maintains that they will not be intimidated and will legally pursue their claims for rightful compensation.