The pro-democracy Take It Back (TIB) Movement has condemned a purported “wanted” notice circulating online against Opeyemi Benjamin Ogunlami, an activist based in Oworonshoki, Lagos State, who has been campaigning against the demolition of houses in the community.
TIB described the development as a disturbing attempt to intimidate and criminalise peaceful activism, insisting that allegations against the activist should be addressed through recognised legal channels rather than threats, unofficial declarations or other forms of self-help.
In a statement issued by its Lagos State Public Relations Officer, Oluwatosin Adeyemi, the movement said the graphic accused Ogunlami of “sharing fake news and badmouthing the king and wife.”
The organisation, however, stressed that it had not established who authorised or issued the graphic, repeatedly referring to it as a “purported” wanted notice.
According to the movement, the graphic was shared online by a private citizen identified as Lateef Atanda. TIB said the circumstances surrounding its creation, authorisation and circulation therefore require clarification and investigation by the relevant authorities.
The group expressed particular concern over the timing of the alleged declaration, given Ogunlami’s campaign against the demolition of houses in Oworonshoki.
TIB noted that the traditional institution in Oworonshoki, including the Oba of Oworonshoki, Oba Babatunde Saliu, has been publicly associated with issues surrounding the demolition exercise. The movement, however, stopped short of claiming that the monarch authorised the purported notice, stressing that it had not established who was behind the publication.
“According to the information contained in the graphic attached here, which was shared by one Lateef Atanda, a private citizen, Opeyemi was declared wanted for allegedly ‘sharing fake news and badmouthing the king and wife,’” the statement said.
TIB argued that if any person believes Ogunlami has committed an offence, defamed an individual or otherwise acted unlawfully, the appropriate response is to approach the relevant law-enforcement agencies or courts.
“Nigeria is governed by laws, and anyone who believes they have been defamed or otherwise wronged has the right to seek redress through the appropriate legal channels,” the movement said.
The group warned against what it described as attempts to use intimidation or purported legal authority to silence citizens who are exercising their civil rights.
“No individual should resort to self-help, intimidation, or actions that purport to exercise powers they do not legally possess,” it added.
The movement consequently demanded the immediate withdrawal of the purported wanted notice and a public apology from whoever was responsible for its publication and circulation.
TIB also called on Oba Saliu to publicly distance himself from the purported declaration and from any attempt to intimidate Ogunlami or restrict his lawful activities.
The organisation further urged relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the production and circulation of the graphic and determine whether any person or group was responsible for attempting to intimidate the activist.
It called for Ogunlami to be protected from harassment, threats or any unlawful action while the matter is being investigated.
TIB said it would continue monitoring developments surrounding the activist and the demolition controversy in Oworonshoki, warning that any harm suffered by Ogunlami would be treated as a serious matter.
“If any harm should happen to Opeyemi, the King, and anyone found responsible will be held accountable under the law,” the movement warned.
The organisation maintained that disputes involving traditional institutions, community leaders, residents and activists must be resolved through established legal mechanisms.
It argued that the right to question, criticise or oppose government or community decisions is an essential part of a democratic society and should not automatically be treated as an attack on traditional authority.
“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.
The controversy has therefore placed renewed attention on the demolition exercise in Oworonshoki and the treatment of residents and activists who have publicly opposed or questioned aspects of the exercise.
For TIB, the central issue is not merely the allegation contained in the circulating graphic, but whether an unofficial “wanted” notice is being used as a tool to intimidate an activist because of his campaign against the demolitions.
The movement insisted that the circumstances surrounding the purported notice must be subjected to proper investigation and that no citizen should be presumed guilty or subjected to threats outside the framework of the law.