By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Olufemi Iroko |
BADAGRY, LAGOS – Olufemi Sewanu Iroko, a prominent voice demanding government accountability in Badagry, has vowed to intensify his campaign despite being publicly disowned by one branch of the Iroko family and facing numerous threats.
The controversy erupted after the Iroko family of Pohento-Meda quarters in Ajara-Isalu community published a disclaimer letter dated September 2, 2025.
The letter, signed by family head Mr. E.P. Iroko, explicitly stated that “‘Oluwafemi Sewanu Iroko’ is not from their family,” calling him a “misplaced and lost individual” and an “imposter suffering from indigeneship cholera.” The timing of the disclaimer is significant, coming shortly after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) began a probe into the spending of the immediate past chairmen of Badagry LGA, Olorunda LCDA, and Badagry West LCDA.
In an exclusive interview, Iroko fiercely rebutted the family’s claims, arguing that the name "Iroko" is not the sole property of one lineage. “Their quarter is Poheto-Meda, my quarter is Depeko-Toyi. A quarter cannot lay a sole claim to a name. There are different Iroko’s everywhere,” he stated, citing the name's prevalence across multiple states. He even recalled a conversation with former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, whose alias was Iroko, who said he “never knew there was IROKO in Lagos state.”
Iroko did not mince words when explaining the motive behind the disownment, directly linking it to his activism and the EFCC probe. “This is coming up because some persons from this particular Iroko family are lobbying to be appointed as local government supervisors and they think my drive to demand for accountability is a stumbling block to their aspiration,” he alleged. He firmly stated that the issue is “solely because of my drive to call for accountability in grassroots governance especially in Badagry.”
The activist revealed that his crusade has come at a personal cost. “I have received various threats because of my drive to demand accountability and this has been reported to the appropriate authorities,” Iroko confirmed. However, he remains defiant and resolute in the face of intimidation. “I am not bothered,” he declared, “all I know is that Badagry will undoubtedly become one of the most desirable locations to live, work and relax, and I will contribute my quota to its development.”
On the specific question of his paternal lineage, Iroko pointed to the Depekoh compound in Ajara-Isalu as his roots, a mere two-minute walk from the Meda compound. He expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved by community elders and stated, “The Depekoh people are proud of their son particularly for his impact.” He concluded with an unwavering promise: “For the records, I will not be gagged and stampeded from demanding the necessary accountability from local government and council bosses.”