ABEOKUTA – The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sagamu Constituency 1, House of Assembly candidate, Omooba Damilare Bello has denied his involvement in the violent protest that rocked Sagamu local government area of the State.
It was gathered that, an aide to Governor Abiodun on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo on his verified Twitter page accused the PDP House of Representatives candidate for Remo Federal constituency, Bola Oluwole and PDP Sagamu State Assembly candidate, Bello Damilare of masterminding the Sagamu riot.
But Bello in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta on Monday, said the allegations made by Sagamu LG boss, Afolabi Odulate and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo was to kill his character and gain cheap political relevance after their rejection by Sagamu people.
He, however, threatened to institute legal action against the duo, if they failed to retract their various allegations levelled against his personality.
“That I have a pre knowledge of the protest, that was absolutely false and blatant lies against my personality.”
Bello said when the protest broke out he was the one that informed the Chief of Staff to Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, explaining that he is a Prince and would never be a destructive agent.
“The accusation is barbaric and it is a way to kill my character and gain cheap political relevance after being rejected by the good people of Sagamu.
“I was on my way to my dad’s house when I received calls that my billboards and banners are been destroyed by some hoodlums. I went to the scene that was reported to me, since it is very close to my dad’s house.
“On getting there to access the situation; I met many youths while I challenged them of the irrational acts, I addressed them together to shun violence.
“I immediately placed a call to the chief of staff to His Royal Majesty, Oba Adewale Ajayi Babatunde, the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remo land, to inform the palace, the boiling situation in the town as I was told many places have been destroyed and burnt in town.
“The chief of staff pleaded for me to call the Sagamu Peace Agenda’s Forum (SPAF) coordinator for a possible intervention which I did and he told me he will see what he can do.
“Driving down a bit I saw the patrol team of Shakura police ably led by the DPO & a known police officer, inspector Kazeem. They both also appealed to the protesters together with me.
“It should also come to our people’s attention that all our party candidates billboards and banners was equally destroyed and burnt by the angry youth.”
He said “Ogbeni Afolabi Odulate, the Council Executive Chairman of Sagamu, made a statement that I have a pre knowledge of the protest, this is absolutely false and blatant lies against my personality.
“We all know the protests is happening everywhere nationwide and we have been appealing for calmness via social media platforms and even Sagamu Youth President also call for calmness and urge the youths to shun violence.”
He added “The protesters did not even allow my vehicle to pass at Ita-oba until I pleaded for some minutes, Barrister Obanewa car was actually behind mine and he’s a witnesses to the incident.
“It’s very appalling that, the Council Chairman who ought to be taking responsibility for his failure to protect the lives and properties of the masses is now shifting blame on individuals and the opposition party which I belong to”.
Bello threatened, “I’m ready and will be awaiting his threatening press statement to order the DSS to invite me, he should also be ready to hear from my lawyer, suing him for defamation of character against my personality”.
(C) The Encounter News
