The Palace of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has stated that the piece of news alleging ‘concern over the health’ of the monarch is nothing but a mere fabrication to suit whatever may be the sinister purpose of the author.
A statement issued and signed by Personal Assistant (Media) Olubadan of Ibadanland Oladele Ogunsola, indicated that the evil wish of the author became more manifest with the claim that Olubadan has been moving in and out of hospitals in the past few weeks, a claim that was nothing but a concocted and wicked, baseless and unfounded lie.
“Before anybody could be reasonably said to be moving in and out of any place, it means such a person, at least must be found in such a place once or twice in a week and I don’t know of any hospital where such a record exists for the current Olubadan.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun has been performing all his expected traditional and social roles since his ascension to the throne in March this year and where he could not be due to crowdy engagements, his members of Council (Olubadan-in-Council) have always been taking up such on his behalf.
“Though, the author claimed ‘Palace sources’, but, it amounts to recklessness and lack of respect for the ethics of journalism profession which enjoins the practitioner to investigate and ascertain the truth before rushing to the press and the ethics even says, when you are in doubt, you leave out.
“For a journalist that worths being called one, I wonder what other credible source could be outside of the palace spokesperson who readily obliges colleagues necessary information. What’s more, Kabiyesi himself has been a friend of the media for decades and his becoming Olubadan has not changed him a bit as far as his relationship with the media is concerned.
“So, except for mischief and undue sensationalism, the author has no basis to hid under ubiquitous ‘palace source’ to do his job except for a purpose- hatchetry job. Just last Friday, the about 80 -year old man was in his Majesty at his ancestral ancient Aliiwo palace to promote the Chiefs in Iyalode line of the Olubadan traditional system.
“One cannot claim to be oblivious of the current trend of everybody becoming journalists without any form of training whatsoever and what they can only claim is just a possession of an handset. There is need for caution and mind what they dish out to earn people’s respect and commendation. In this instance, the author goofed and whatever might have been his imagination to come up with such wicked piece was not in good faith,” the statement said.