The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has vehemently denied allegations of defamation leveled against him, saying his readiness to clarify misconceptions stemming from a controversial audio clip.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, Adams condemned what he termed as distorted representations aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
The controversy arose following claims by Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, and the Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Tayo Ayinde. Both individuals threatened legal action against Adams, accusing him of implicating them in an assassination plot.
According to reports, Ayinde, through his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), cited a viral audio note allegedly implicating Adams in the accusation. However, Adams, in response, disavowed the content of the audio clip, labeling it as concocted and disjointed.
In a rejoinder to Olumide-Fusika’s pre-action letter, Adams’ legal representatives, Oluwole Kehinde and Rosemary Thompson, emphasized their client’s denial of the allegations. They clarified that the purported conversation, which formed the basis of the controversy, was a private exchange from 2021 and not intended for public dissemination.
Adams further underscored that his remarks regarding Igboho and Ayinde were based on unconfirmed rumors, stressing that he never intended malice or defamation. He reiterated his commitment to protecting his integrity and the office he represents, emphasizing that his silence should not be misconstrued as cowardice.
The Aare Onakakanfo also expressed disappointment with the ongoing attempts to discredit him despite efforts by prominent figures, including the Ooni of Ife, to foster peace within the Yoruba community. He urged for a fair assessment of the situation and pledged to address the matter transparently.
In light of the escalating tensions, Adams affirmed his determination to set the record straight and defend his hard-earned reputation against what he termed as a “grand conspiracy” orchestrated to malign him.
