Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
Crisis may be brewing in the royal family of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, as the monarch, yesterday, threatened to disown three of his children over some allegations levelled against his younger brother, Senator Kola Balogun.
The Olubadan who stated this in a statement he personally signed in reaction to the allegations by three of his children namely, Aremo Femi Balogun and Princesses Yinka and Bukola Balogun, described the allegations against the former federal lawmaker who represented Oyo South Senatorial District, as unfounded and criminal character assassination
He added that he would not spare any of his wives who may be found towing such dishonourable path along with the three children.
Aremo Femi Balogun had, in a letter, requested that all funds and assets belonging to the Olubadan, allegedly under the care of Senator Balogun, be produced within seven days.
The letter, dated 29 September, 2023, was addressed to the former lawmaker while Sectional Heads of the Alliwo Family, state Commissioner of Police, and the Ag. Commander, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Command, were also copied.
He listed the assets to include the Abuja residence of Oba Balogun; five luxury property, plus a luxury hotel and four (4) luxury vehicles all in Lagos, among others.
He further alleged that Senator Balogun has in his possession monies, running into several millions of naira, belonging to the traditional ruler.
Oba Balogun however in his reaction in the statement dated October 2, said the allegations have no iota of truth, declaring that the motive of such action was not only defaming, but also clearly a case of criminal character assassination.
The statement read in part, “My attention has been drawn to the various grievous allegations leveled against my kid and loving and only surviving brother, Dr. Sen. Mohammed Kolawole Balogun.
“The allegations were made by some of my children, led by Aremo Femi Balogun [and] which I am aware has gone viral.
“It is unfortunate to note that none of the allegations has atom of truthfulness whatsoever in it and only the author of such baseless and unfounded allegations can come up with the motive of such action which is not only defaming but also an assassination of character.
“I must publicly acknowledge the invaluable role my brother has been playing in my life. He is the only one that has been with me through thick and thin.
“It is not immodest for me to say that he towers above all of my children in attention and care for my life and well being and for which I will be eternally grateful to the Almighty Allah for blessing me with such a wonderful brother. He is one in a million.
“Since the publication was out, all attempts to speak with the author of the offensive and odorous report have been futile.”
He however appealed to his younger brother, Senator Balogun, not to take offence with his Aremo whose action, he said, was out of sheer ignorance and exuberance.
“Nevertheless, I have to publicly plead with my brother not to take offence with his nephew, who must have reasoned out of sheer ignorance and exuberance, because, even in law, none of the allegations, I repeat, none of the allegations could be proved.
“For every sane person, the publication amounts to criminal defamation of character and a violation of public peace which also stands condemnable.
“Just like every other families, we are bound to have differences, but, such should not be taken to the level of damaging the personality of one another.
“I detest and abhor anything of such and I won’t mind to disown whoever among my children or wives who toe such dishonourable and disparaging path,” he added.
Senator Balogun in his reactions, also denied the allegations, stating that his brother has taken a step over the issue.
He added that he would wait to see the effect of the statement by the Olubadan before taking any further step on the matter.
“My elder brother and revered father, Kabiyesi, has spoken on the issue. I will rather wait to see the effect of his directive on my nephew and nieces before taking any further steps,” he said.
