By Bilesanmi Abayomi
His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Saliu Oloworo of Oworonshoki Kingdom has publicly refuted a report by Sahara Reporters that accuses him of employing thugs to attack a pregnant woman and fellow traditionalists. The monarch categorically denies these claims, labeling them as malicious and defamatory.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, Oba Oloworo expressed his dismay over the fabricated report, which he states is a gross misrepresentation of the facts. The monarch emphasized that he has always promoted peace, unity, and harmony among his subjects and has never condoned or employed thugs.
“I, Oba Babatunde Saliu Oloworo, want to address the recent malicious report published by Sahara Reporters claiming that thugs allegedly working for me beat a pregnant woman to stupor. This report is completely false and defamatory to my character,” he stated.
Oba Oloworo recounted the events of June 3rd, when he encountered a group of traditionalists performing rituals without prior notice to the palace. He clarified that he had stopped them to inquire about their activities, called the Oworonshoki Police Division to investigate, and then allowed them to leave without incident.
“As a respected and educated Monarch, I don’t use thugs; I use appropriate authorities to handle my issues. The peace of my community is paramount,” he asserted.
The monarch has taken legal action, instructing his solicitors to demand a retraction and public apology from Sahara Reporters. Failure to comply will result in a petition to the Inspector General of Police for criminal and cyberbullying charges under the Cybercrime Act, alongside a civil lawsuit for damages.
Oba Oloworo urges the public to disregard the defamatory publication and not be influenced by sensationalist journalism. “I remain committed to the welfare and well-being of all my subjects and will continue to uphold the values of peace and unity in our community,” he reaffirmed.