By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Olufemi Oroko |
BADAGRY, LAGOS – The esteemed Iroko family of Pohento-Meda quarters in Ajara-Isalu community has publicly disowned and severed ties with a self-styled accountability activist, Mr. Olufemi Sewanu Iroko, The disownment comes amid a probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the spending of the immediate past council chairmen in the area.
The family's stance was made official through a strongly-worded "Disclaimer Letter," reference number 01/9/25 and dated September 2, 2025, which was issued to the public. The document aims to unequivocally distance the family's "dignified and honoured" name from the activist's recent high-profile campaigns on Facebook, which have demanded transparency from local government officials.
In the letter, signed by the family head, Mr. E.P. Iroko, the family makes a series of stunning declarations. It states, "That the said 'Oluwafemi Sewanu Iroko' is not a son, neither a grandson nor a great-grandson of Iroko of Ajara-Isalu,"** and insists there is only one authentic lineage. The family categorically denies his indigeneity, asserting, "That his character and name did not emanate from the ONLY AUTHENTIC IROKO FAMILY of Ajara-Isalu."
Mr. Iroko as “a misplaced and lost individual” and “an imposter whom is suffering from indigeneship cholera.” The family accuses him of seeking “undue and cheap popularity” and concludes with the damning statement, “That we, the IROKOS from Ajara-Isalu do not know him from Adam.” They suggest he is a “political jobber” whose paymaster has lost faith in him.
However, in a swift and fiery response, the man at the center of the storm, Olufemi Sewanu Iroko, has dismissed the family's claims as a politically motivated attack. He first corrected the record on his name, stating, “First off, my name is Olufemi Sewanu Iroko and NOT Oluwafemi Sewanu Iroko,” indicating a fundamental error in the family's disclaimer.
He boldly alleged that the disownment is a direct retaliation for his activism. “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,” Iroko claimed. He directly linked the action to his work, stating, “It is solely because of my drive to call for accountability in grassroots governance.”
When addressing his heritage, Iroko remained defiant but offered a different narrative. “There are several compounds and family lineages in Ajara-Isalu as he is from Depekoh-Toyi quarters. This is a family matter and the elders of the community and families will trash it,” he stated, implying a broader familial context than the disclaimer acknowledged. He asserted that his own compound, Depekoh, is proud of his impact and advocacy.
The activist vowed that the public shaming would not silence him. “For the records, I will not be gagged and stampeded from demanding the necessary accountability from local government and council bosses,” he declared. He framed his mission as essential for grassroots development, adding, “The last tier of government is designed to ensure people at the grassroot enjoy the benefits of Government, we will call them out if our people are not getting what is due them.”
The saga highlights the intense pressures often faced by anti-corruption activists at the local level. Iroko revealed, “I have received various threats because of my drive to demand accountability,” but remained resolute. He concluded with a final jab at his detractors, “For the appointment mongers, I wish them the best and may they get the appointment they want from their oppressors,” cementing this dispute as a bitter clash over power, identity, and the right to demand accountability in Badagry.