An Oyo State businessman, Alhaji Isiak Folorunso, has announced he will be taking legal action against a U.S.-based online blogger who allegedly published a video discrediting him and his businesses.
Folorunso made this announcement at a press conference in Iseyin, Oyo State, addressing a case of cyber-bullying. He stated that a woman from a TV station accused him, during one of her programmes, of sponsoring terrorism in Iseyin and working against the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III, Ajirotutu I.
Folorunso, owner of SAF Polytechnic, SAF Group of Schools, SAF Bread, and other businesses, said the video’s content was intended to damage his reputation and create discord between him and the monarch.
He confirmed that he has instructed his legal representatives to contact the U.S. government and other relevant authorities to begin legal proceedings against the woman, should she fail to provide evidence to support her accusations or issue a public apology.
He explained: “On Wednesday, January 29, at approximately 7:00 a.m., I received a call alerting me to a broadcast by a woman based in the U.S., defaming my character and accusing me of sponsoring terrorism – an allegation I know nothing about.
“It is important to note that I have never met this woman, we have never had any contact or dealings, and she did not contact me regarding the allegations her informants provided, as required by the ethics of journalism and natural justice, which dictate hearing both sides before making a judgement.
“I am a responsible citizen of Iseyin. I have invested resources in the town’s progress and development. I belong to numerous committees working for Iseyin’s peace and progress, one of which was established by the current Aseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri, whom they falsely claim I am undermining.
“I visited the new Aseyin before his coronation, attended his coronation ceremony, and was also present at the inauguration of the Peace Committee on Islamic Affairs in Iseyin at his palace. Myself and other Iseyin residents are currently working on reconciling Aso-Ofi weavers, a matter the monarch is fully aware of. Therefore, it is highly inappropriate and malicious for someone living abroad to refer to me as a ‘bastard’ of this town.”
Folorunso added: “I urge the woman to be courageous and either substantiate her allegations with evidence or retract them through the same medium she used to make them. The repeated mentions of my name and businesses in the broadcast have raised numerous suspicions and questions, and I have instructed my lawyers to use all necessary legal means to clear my hard-earned reputation.”
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