KEY POINTS

• TIB rejects the purported wanted notice.
• Ogunlami has opposed Oworonshoki demolitions.
• Group demands investigation and withdrawal.

The Take It Back, TIB, Movement has condemned a purported “wanted” notice circulating online against Opeyemi Benjamin Ogunlami, an activist based in Oworonshoki, Lagos State, who has been campaigning against the demolition of houses in the community.

The pro-democracy group said it was concerned that the notice could be an attempt to intimidate or criminalise Ogunlami’s peaceful activism.

However, TIB stressed that it had not independently established who authorised or issued the graphic, describing it as a purported wanted notice.

According to TIB, the graphic was reportedly shared online by a private citizen identified as Lateef Atanda. It allegedly accused Ogunlami of “sharing fake news and badmouthing the king and wife”.

The group said the allegations should be handled through established legal channels rather than through threats, unofficial notices or other forms of self-help.

TIB said it was particularly concerned that Ogunlami’s opposition to the demolition exercise in Oworonshoki may be connected to the purported declaration. The group noted that the traditional institution in the community, including the Oba of Oworonshoki, Oba Babatunde Saliu, has been publicly associated with issues surrounding the demolition.

However, TIB did not establish that the monarch authorised the notice and called for clarity over who produced and circulated it.

TIB demands withdrawal of notice

The movement called for the immediate withdrawal of the purported notice and demanded a public apology from anyone responsible for publishing or circulating it.

It also urged Oba Saliu to publicly distance himself from the purported declaration and from any action aimed at intimidating Ogunlami or restricting his lawful activities.

TIB called on relevant authorities to investigate how the graphic was produced and circulated and to ensure that Ogunlami is not subjected to harassment, intimidation or unlawful action.

The group said it would continue monitoring the situation and warned that any harm suffered by the activist should be taken seriously and addressed according to the law.

TIB said disputes involving community leaders, residents and activists should be resolved through recognised legal procedures rather than threats or unofficial declarations.

The organisation maintained that anyone who believes they have been defamed or otherwise wronged has the right to seek legal redress, stressing that no individual should attempt to exercise powers they do not legally possess.