The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has dismissed reports suggesting that he visited the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, in Kuje prison.
In response to the rumors on Wednesday, December 6, the spokesperson for the monarch, Moses Olafare, clarified that Oba Ogunwusi’s presence at the correctional facility was in connection with a Non-Governmental Organisation owned by one of his wives, Queen Temitope. This organization is dedicated to advocacy for the correctional center.
The statement further explained that the event was organized in collaboration with the Kuje correctional authority, with a focus on instilling hope in inmates for their reintegration into society after completing their terms. The Ooni’s participation was part of the commemoration of his eighth anniversary.
The statement read:
“The motivation behind those disseminating this news was to engage in character assassination against the monarch; there is complete transparency regarding the event. Importantly, the king did not have any encounter with Emefiele, as it was an official function organized by the NGO in collaboration with the Kuje Correction Centre.
“The initiative focused on instilling hope in inmates that, upon completing their terms, they still possess the opportunity for successful reintegration into society. The Arole Ooni was invited to preside over the event as part of the commemoration of his eighth anniversary on the throne.
“What distinguishes a public event, where various public figures and inmate representatives spoke? How, then, did the Ooni supposedly manage to meet Emefiele?
“We must exercise caution in the dissemination of falsehoods about individuals. The event’s video is accessible to the public. Moreover, there is uncertainty about Emefiele’s attendance at the program since he is currently in detention and not yet an inmate. Hence, linking the program to Emefiele appears to be a deliberate attempt at blackmail.”
