TIB Movement Condemns ‘Wanted’ Notice Against Lagos Activist Campaigning Against Oworonshoki Demolitions | Sahara Reporters

TIB Movement, however, stressed that it had not established who authorised or issued the graphic, describing it as a “purported” wanted notice.

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

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

In a statement issued by its Lagos State Public Relations Officer, Oluwatosin Adeyemi, the movement described the purported declaration as an attempt to intimidate and criminalise peaceful activism, stressing that allegations against the activist should be addressed through lawful procedures.

The group said it is particularly concerned that Ogunlami’s activism against the demolition exercise may have contributed to the purported declaration, noting that the traditional institution in Oworonshoki, including the Oba of Oworonshoki, Oba Babatunde Saliu, has been publicly associated with issues surrounding the demolition.

TIB Movement, however, stressed that it had not established who authorised or issued the graphic, describing it as a “purported” wanted notice.

“According to the information contained in the graphic attached here, which was shared by one Lateef Atanda, a private citizen, Opeyemi was declared wanted for allegedly ‘sharing fake news and badmouthing the king and wife,’” the statement said.

The movement said nobody should use a purported wanted notice, threats or other forms of self-help to silence a person exercising his civil rights.

“Nigeria is governed by laws, and anyone who believes they have been defamed or otherwise wronged has the right to seek redress through the appropriate legal channels,” the statement said.

“No individual should resort to self-help, intimidation, or actions that purport to exercise powers they do not legally possess.”

The group demanded the immediate withdrawal of the purported notice and a public apology from those responsible for its publication and circulation.

It also called on Oba Saliu to publicly distance himself from the purported declaration and from any attempt to intimidate Ogunlami or restrict his lawful activities.

TIB Movement further urged relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the publication and circulation of the graphic and ensure that Ogunlami is not subjected to harassment, intimidation or unlawful action.

The group said it would continue to monitor the situation and warned that any harm suffered by the activist would be taken seriously.

“If any harm should happen to Opeyemi, the King, and anyone found responsible will be held accountable under the law,” the statement said.

The organisation said disagreements involving community leaders, residents and activists should be resolved through established legal mechanisms rather than threats or unofficial notices.

“Nigeria is not a banana republic. The rule of law must prevail, and disputes must be resolved through lawful and established procedures, not through threats, intimidation, or self-help,” the movement said.