The founder of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, has distanced himself from an individual identified as Surajudeen Adio Babatunde, popularly known as Surii Ilupeju, who has been accused of criminal activity. In a statement released on Sunday, Hamzat asserted that he has never sponsored, encouraged, shielded, or supported any individual involved in criminal conduct.
Consistent Stance on Justice
According to Hamzat, throughout his public life as a broadcaster, humanitarian, and now a gubernatorial candidate of the Accord party, he has consistently stood for justice, truth, and the rule of law. He described the attempt to hold him responsible for the personal actions or alleged criminal behavior of any individual, merely because that person may have had an association with him, as both illogical and dishonest.
“Employment, acquaintance, or social interaction with a person does not confer knowledge of, or complicity in, every aspect of that person’s private life,” Hamzat stated.
Call for Proper Investigation
The media mogul urged the public to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without dragging innocent people into matters for political or personal reasons. He pledged to make himself available if the police require any lawful assistance from him in any investigation.
Accusations of Character Assassination
Lamenting what he described as character assassination instead of facts, Hamzat accused the masterminds of the campaign of seeking to score cheap political points by creating a false narrative about his personality and his aspiration to serve the good people of Oyo State. He urged members of the public to disregard the attempt at guilt-by-association.
“Oyo people are discerning enough to distinguish between facts and propaganda. No amount of blackmail, false accusations, or coordinated smear campaigns will distract me from my commitment to the welfare, security, and progress of our dear state,” he said.
Hamzat concluded: “I remain focused on the task of building a better Oyo State and will continue to uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and service to humanity that have defined my life and career.”
