The Take It Back (TIB) Movement, Lagos State Chapter, has demanded the immediate withdrawal of a purported “wanted” notice against Opeyemi Benjamin Ogunlami, an activist campaigning against the demolition of houses in the Oworoshoki community in Lagos State.
The movement also called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the publication and circulation of the notice, warning that the Oba of Oworoshoki, Oba Babatunde Saliu, and anyone found responsible would be held accountable if any harm comes to the activist.
TIB made the demands in a statement signed by its Lagos Public Relations Officer, Oluwatosin Adeyemi (Humanist), following the circulation of a graphic online declaring Ogunlami wanted.
According to the graphic, which was reportedly shared by a private citizen, Lateef Atanda, Ogunlami was allegedly wanted for “sharing fake news and badmouthing the king and wife.”
The movement, however, described the purported notice as a troubling development and condemned what it called an attempt to intimidate, harass or criminalise peaceful activism.
TIB said anyone who believes they have been defamed or wronged has the right to seek redress through the appropriate legal channels, stressing that no individual should resort to self-help or actions that appear to exercise powers they do not legally possess.
The movement said it was particularly concerned that Ogunlami’s activism and opposition to the demolition of houses in Oworoshoki might have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the purported declaration.
TIB also noted that the traditional institution in Oworoshoki, including the Oba of Oworoshoki, Oba Babatunde Saliu, has been publicly associated with issues surrounding the demolition exercise.
However, the movement stressed that any allegation of wrongdoing against Ogunlami must be established through due process and not through intimidation or extrajudicial measures.
“We demand the immediate withdrawal of the purported ‘wanted’ declaration against Opeyemi Benjamin Ogunlami and a public apology from those responsible for its publication and circulation,” the statement said.
TIB also called on Oba Saliu to publicly distance himself from the purported notice and from any attempt to intimidate Ogunlami or restrict his lawful civic activities.
The movement further urged the relevant authorities to investigate who produced, published and circulated the graphic and determine the circumstances behind its release.
It called on the authorities to ensure that Ogunlami is not subjected to harassment, intimidation or unlawful action for exercising his civic rights.
TIB warned that it would continue to monitor the situation closely.
“We warned that if any harm should happen to Opeyemi, the King, and anyone found responsible will be held accountable under the law,” the movement said.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic rights, civil liberties and the rule of law, saying disputes and allegations should be addressed through lawful and established procedures.
“Nigeria is not a banana republic. The rule of law must prevail, and disputes must be resolved through lawful and established procedures, not through threats, intimidation or self-help,” TIB said.
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