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Fadipe Rejects Thuggery Claims, Calls for Investigation into Faceless Group
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Fadipe Rejects Thuggery Claims, Calls for Investigation into Faceless Group
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The campaign office of Hon. Ibukun Fadipe, a senatorial aspirant for the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District, has strongly denied allegations linking him to criminal activities and plans to incite unrest, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the campaign office was reacting to a publication by a group identified as “Osun State Vanguard News,” which accused Fadipe of involvement in thuggery and attempts to influence security agencies.
The campaign office dismissed the allegations in their entirety, stating, “Hon. Ibukun Fadipe has no knowledge of, no involvement in, and no connection whatsoever to any planned protest, any group of suspected thugs, or any alleged scheme to pressure security agencies into releasing arrested individuals.”
It further questioned the credibility of the group behind the claims, describing it as anonymous and lacking any verifiable identity.
“A publication that cannot identify itself has no moral or legal standing to identify others as criminals,” the statement said.
According to the campaign office, the allegations are part of a deliberate attempt to discredit Fadipe due to his rising political influence in the district.
It described the report as “a premeditated political hatchet job designed to soil the reputation of a man whose growing popularity has unsettled certain interests.”
The statement also rejected claims that Fadipe is a financier of criminal elements, insisting that his track record reflects commitment to public service.
“The claim that Hon. Fadipe is a ‘major financier of hoodlums’ is not only false, it is criminally defamatory,” it said, adding that his contributions to education, youth empowerment and community development speak for themselves.
The campaign challenged those behind the allegations to substantiate their claims through appropriate legal channels.
“We challenge the authors of that press release to present their evidence before any legitimate law enforcement authority.
We welcome any investigation. Hon. Fadipe has nothing to hide,” the statement added.
It also called on security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, to investigate the origin of the publication, warning that the spread of unverified allegations could pose a threat to public peace.
While cautioning against smear campaigns, the organisation expressed confidence in the electorate.
“The people of Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District are neither gullible nor uninformed.
They know the realities within their communities and will not be misled,” it said.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Fadipe’s commitment to his political ambition.
“Hon. Ibukun Fadipe remains focused, resolute and undistracted.
His ambition is driven by a sincere desire to provide effective representation and development for the district.”
