The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, His Royal Majesty, Oba Francis Alao, has declared that he will not be drawn into media confrontations with anyone over land matters currently before the court.
The monarch issued a warning to media organizations against allowing their platforms to be used by individuals with inordinate ambitions to tarnish his hard-earned reputation, stressing that such actions carry serious legal consequences.
Oba Alao specifically mentioned one Mr. David Oyediran, with whom he is currently engaged in a legal dispute over land matter. He accused him of spreading unfounded allegations through online newspapers and social media in a bid to provoke and smear his image.
He urged proprietors of online newspapers to avoid publishing unsubstantiated allegations, noting that carrying prejudicial content could expose them to legal liability.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Oba Alao emphasized his resolve not to descend to what he called ‘low level’ with anyone, while assuring that those involved in the smear campaign, including their media collaborators, will have their day in court.
The monarch also reaffirmed that he legally acquired the disputed land and holds a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) issued by the government.
“I will not succumb to provocation and pressure to take prejudicial actions because the case is in court.
“Instead of waiting for the wheel of justice to grind to an end, he (Oyediran) has resorted to cyberbullying, spreading malicious claims to tarnish my reputation.
“Thankfully, this criminal act is being investigated by the Force CID. I will not descend to his level. We are in court, and the law will take its course,” the statement partly read.
Oba Alao further alleged that Oyediran and his collaborators are being sponsored by another monarch to insult him.
He, however, maintained that as a responsible first-class traditional ruler in Oyo State, he would not take the law into his own hands.
He concluded by assuring that those who have joined in the “character assassination venture” will also face justice in due course.