>
Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has reacted to the allegations levelled against his younger brother, Sen Kola Balogun, by some of his children.
The first son of the monarch, Aremo Femi Balogun, had in a statement accused Sen Kola Balogun of mismanaging the funds and assets of Oba Balogun in his care.
He subsequently gave the younger brother of the Olubadan seven working days to provide proper accountability and transparency on the funds and assets entrusted in his care by the monarch.
But a statement personally signed on Monday by Oba Balogun said there is no iota of truth in the allegations.
“My attention has been drawn to the various grievous allegations levelled against my kid, loving and only surviving brother, Dr. Sen. Mohammed Kolawole Balogun by some of my children, led by Aremo Femi Balogun which I’m 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 and 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. 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,” the monarch said.