Osun Assembly Speaker Distances Self From Critics' Arrest

The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, has distanced himself from the controversy surrounding the arrest of his critics.

This is according to a statement released by the media unit of the Office of the Speaker on Wednesday Wednesday.

"Our attention has been drawn to an untrue narrative making the rounds concerning the arrest of some individuals, by men of the Nigeria Police, over issues that concern Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun.

"The people spreading the fake news are claiming Mr Speaker ordered the arrest of some persons because they criticized him. Nothing can be further from the truth than this.

“You will recall that some days ago, some unscrupulous elements went all over social media, claiming the FBI had declared the Honourable Speaker wanted for fraud.

"Knowing that he had no criminal record and have never been under investigation by any security agency, local or international, his legal team approached law enforcement officers and lodged a formal complaint against the persons who championed the spread of this obvious falsehood that was clearly aimed at destroying his hard-earned reputation.

“Law enforcement agents deployed efforts very quickly and have since brought these persons into custody, to substantiate their claims with evidence before law enforcement officers.

“Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun has not interfered with the process of investigation as he intends to allow law enforcement officers to conclude their investigations and take other necessary steps as they may deem fit.

“We are aware that one of the persons in custody has written an apology letter (attached) addressed to Mr Speaker.

“The officers handling the case will decide whether the letter is appropriate recompense for the psychological challenge he (Mr Speaker) faced while the blackmail lasted.

“We assure all Osun indigenes that the PDP government in the State is totally pro-people and will never be found oppressing any citizen with State powers. However, the legal maxim is sacrosanct that he who alleges must prove.”

Ajibola Oluwasegun who it was gathered alleged that the Egbedun is wanted by the FBI and had tendered a handwritten letter of apology.

In another statement, the Osun State Police Command revealed that it has the constitutional right to invite any person over for questioning.

This was made by the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Kehinde Longe in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola.