Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued a stern warning to those circulating false information, stating that his administration will not hesitate to take legal action against any form of blackmail and defamation.
Adeleke’s warning comes in response to rumours alleging the involvement of his elder sister, Modupe Adeleke Sanni, in the procurement of official vehicles for caretaker chairmen in the local government councils of the state.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and published by Media Talk Africa on Sunday, Adeleke refuted the claims, describing them as an attempt to tarnish his sister’s reputation with baseless allegations.
The governor emphasized that the purchase of the vehicles for the local government caretaker chairmen was conducted following due process through the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), the umbrella body for the local government councils.
“It should be noted that the procurement process of the official vehicles for the local government chairmen has no connection with Yeyeluwa,” stated the release.
“The entire process followed due process via the Association Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), their umbrella body. Yeyeluwa Adeleke-Sanni was not in any way involved in the entire process,” the statement clarified.
While acknowledging the public’s right to access information under the Freedom of Information Act, the Osun governor reminded purveyors of fake news about the existence of cybercrime laws.
“We draw the public’s attention to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, which allows citizens to obtain information through designated channels,” the statement highlighted.
“Those who engage in disseminating false information should also be mindful of the cybercrime laws, which proscribe the creation and dissemination of fake news, among other offenses,” the statement continued.
“Moving forward, any false and defamatory attempts from any quarter will face appropriate legal action,” Adeleke asserted.
“The governor has instructed relevant state legal authorities to apprehend those responsible for spreading fake news and engaging in cybercrimes,” the statement concluded.
