Respect Nigeria’s laws, Ooni counsels PDP over Omisore, Fani-Kayode’s trial

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II),‎ has told chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State that laws of the land must be respected over the detention of Senator Iyiola Omisore and Femi Fani-Kayode.

He said this when leaders of the PDP approached him to come to the rescue of Senator Omisore and Fani-Kayode, who are under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Both Omisore and Fani-Kayode are indigenes of Ile-Ife.

They are both being investigated for their roles in the criminal diversion of funds meant for arms by the former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sabo Dasuki (retd).

Reacting to comments by the ‎ ‎PDP Osun State Chairman, Hon. Adesoji Adagunodo who led other leaders of the party during a courtesy visit, Ooni explained that he had no grudge against either Omisore or Fani-Kayode.

‎Describing Omisore as a prominent Ife indigene entitled to his choice of relationship, ‎Ooni assured the PDP chairman of his readiness to assist them within his limited capability.

He also prayed that God would set them free “if they have no skeleton in their cupboard over the matter”.

He added, “Omisore is a prominent Ife son, I don’t have any grudge against him whatsoever over his refusal to visit my palace since I became the Ooni. You all must know that he is entitled to his right of choice on who and where to visit at anytime. Don’t also forget he is undergoing a procedural investigation and laws of the land must be respected but I promise to assist you on this matter within my limited capability and legally guided.

“I heartily pray God should quickly set him free if he has no skeleton in his cupboard.”

Earlier, Adagunodo begged Ooni to forgive the detained Ile-Ife politician, who has not visited the king since he was crowned seven months ago.

‎Promising that Omisore would upon his release be brought to the palace to do the right thing, the PDP chieftain said, “Your Imperial Majesty, we are here to pay our homage to you as the father of our race who must be respected by all true sons and daughters of Yoruba race.

“We also beg you in the name of Oduduwa to use your goodwill in assisting us to rescue one of our leaders, Otunba Iyiola Omisore from the EFCC detention, even though we are not unaware of his attitude towards this sacred palace as he has refused to pay homage since you were divinely crowned seven months ago.

“We can assure you of his change of attitude as soon as he is released from detention.”

The PDP boss wondered why PDP‎ members from South West were being punished more over the diverted fund.

He said, “Are we saying all the 19 northern state didn’t collect campaign fund from Dasuki? Or is it only PDP that spent money for campaign during election in Nigeria?

“I plead for the intervention of the Ooni on the current travails of the duo of Otunba Omisore and Fani-kayode who happen to be prominent Yoruba sons from Ile-Ife and incidentally strong PDP leaders. They have issues to be trashed out with this present APC-led federal government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“PDP is not against any anti-corruption fight but it must be within the confines of our laws.”

The state party leader was accompanied to the Ooni’s palace by about 20 chieftains to include Ife/Ijesa Senatorial leader, Hon. Wale Ojo, Ife Central LG Chair, Hon. Adebowale Adedotun, Ife East LG Chair, Hon. Durojaye Isaac, Hon. Funso Babarinde, Engr. Marcus Adedini, Prince Olajide Olaosebikan, Prince Tobi Akomolede and others.