SLANDER: ÒKEHÒ INDIGENES THREATEN COURT ACTION AGAINST KOLA OLOOTU

 

In a move to checkmate an alleged slanderous statement, a prominent socio-cultural association known as 'Àpérò Ọmọ Òkehò Global', has called on Mr Kola Olootu an Ibadan based radio presenter to without delay broadcast a rejoinder over an alleged slanderous remarks he made against the ancient town of Okeho or face legal action if he fails to do so.

National President of Àpérò Ọmọ Òkehò, Pastor Favour Adéwálé Adéwọyin, speaking on behalf of Onjo of Òkehò-land, His Royal Majesty, Oba AbdRofiu Osuolale Mustapha Adeitan 11, and all the proud sons and daughters of Okeho town at home and in the diaspora, said, the 7 days ultimatum to Kola Olootu takes effect from Thursday, 29th February, 2024 when he is expected to tender an unreserved apology over his unguarded statement or face legal action.

According to Adewoyin, the demand for a retraction and apology follows Olootu's disparaging comments directed at the ancient Town of Òkehò, over a prolonged period of power outage in the community and its surroundings as if it was the making of the people of the town not to have electricity. 

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Expressing outrage at what they perceived as mockery towards their community, Àpérò Ọmọ Òkehò firmly asserted the need for decorum and respect in public discourse and emphasized the significance of upholding the dignity and reputation of Òkehò and its people, particularly in the face of unwarranted and destructive criticism.

"The people of the town take serious exception to this sarcasm and  demand an open apology on any of Olootu's radio programmes because, apart from the social angle to the sarcasm, there is also the religious angle to it". 

"The subject-matter of "tawaf", a ritual performed by the Muslims, as part of Hajj Pilgrimage or during Umrah (lesser Pilgrimage) which involves walking round the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam, located in the centre of the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia which Kola Olootu denigrated on his programme". 

"This said apart from the legal action that can come from the community at large which involves all religion, the Muslim community of Òkehò will rise up to defend Islam which the ummah takes with all seriousness warning of potential court litigation should he fail to comply".

He said, "the ultimatum, issued with the backing of the leadership of the ancient town and its diaspora community, leaves Olootu with a clear choice between tendering an open public apology or prepare to face legal consequences".

"As tensions escalate, the broader implications of this dispute are palpable, raising questions about the responsibilities of media personalities in addressing sensitive issues and the importance of cultural sensitivity in public communications".

"With the deadline for apology looming, the standoff between the sons and daughters of Òkehò and Kola Olootu underscores the complexities of navigating community relations and media ethics".

"The outcome of this confrontation will not only shape the immediate future of those involved but also reverberate throughout discussions surrounding decorum, accountability, respect, and representation in the public sphere", Adewoyin maintained.