Re: Alhaji Buhari Oloto

My attention has been drawn to a publication in your newspaper of Thursday, 19 May, 2011, at page 3, on the above subject matter.

Ordinarily, I refrain from joining issues on pages of newspapers and as a responsible and law abiding citizen, I observe it as a policy, not to comment on issues pending in court.

However, I am now being compelled to clarify issues, more so when the above mentioned publication contained half-truth and outright falsification of facts.

It is not by my own making, neither did I lobby for it before the entire Ojota/Oregun families deemed it fit to reward my selfless services and loyalty towards the progress of the family members and entire community with the title of Olori-Ebi.

The irony of it all is that Chief Sikiru Ademola Agbeleye, who allegedly signed the statement, had in the past visited me in my office in Itire in the company of other family members in my capacity as Olori Ebi, and shared money. All these problems started when he was thrown out of the family house he occupied at Ikeja on the ground that he does not belong to the family.

It is understandable there are bound to be a disgruntled minority who are referred to as the “we no go gree group.” This group has done the right thing by approaching a court of law in suit No. ID/683/05. We have since joined issues with them and the matter is still pending.

It is on record that till date, no restraining order has been issued against me by a competent Court of Law, directing me to stop parading myself as Olori-Ebi of Ojota/Oregun families.

Indeed, no ruling or judgement has been given to this effect. Until such a time when the court makes a pronouncement on the issue, I remain the undisputed Olori-Ebi of Ojota/Oregun families.

Consequently, the publication complained of was prejudicial, as it it is not the duty of those that are behind the publication to issue restraining order on the pages of newspapers. I will sincerely advise them to wait for the outcome of the matter.

I have taken the pains to explain all these to those who are behind the publication to enlighten them on the rudiments of law and how they operate, because I have noticed that they displayed serious ignorance on the pages of newspapers.

This is not the time to start lending evidence on the pages of newspapers. If they have anything to say, I advise them to come to court and say it. A word is enough for the wise.