Rita Odafe
Mrs Stella Orogbemi, the wife of Olabanji Orogbemi, a prominent figure in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ondo State, firmly asserts that her husband is not guilty of the accusations of domestic violence leveled against him.
She emphasizes her stance against any form of violence, highlighting that her husband has been falsely accused.
Orogbemi was reportedly detained following his criticism of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his perceived lack of performance during his eight-month tenure.
Stella cautions against further tarnishing her husband’s reputation.
In a released statement from Akure, the state capital, the NNPP Chieftain’s wife condemns the attempts by Hon. Olawunmi Fayemi, the legislator representing Ilaje constituency 2 in the State House of Assembly, and Ilaje Local Government Chairman, Ms. Toyin Ogungbure, to defame her husband by branding him a domestic abuser.
Amidst the widespread criticism surrounding his detention and trial, political figures in the state suggest that these actions are politically motivated to silence dissent against the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The legislator accused Orogbemi of assaulting the council chairman, alleging that it was due to her gender.
Dismissing these allegations as baseless, the NNPP Chieftain’s wife, in a personal statement, asserts that Fayemi and Ogungbure are targeting her husband with the domestic violence label because of his political beliefs and vocal opposition to the APC.
Mrs. Orogbemi clarifies, “I am Mrs. Stella Orogbemi, the wife of Mr. Banji Orogbemi, who is facing intimidation and oppression from Ms. Toyin Ogungbure, the chairperson of Ilaje Local Government Area, and her associates in Akure, solely based on his political affiliations and NNPP membership.”
She continues, “I have observed several social media posts and a video by Honourable Wunmi Fayemi-Obayelu claiming that my loving and peaceful husband physically attacked the Ilaje Local Government Area Chairperson on 02/09/2024, portraying him in a false light.”
“I, as a woman, condemn any violent behavior, particularly towards another woman like myself.
“It is a known fact that ‘judging a case based on one side of the story is unjust.’ Considering the position and age of the so-called LCDAs chairpersons, some of whom are grandparents, they should rise above the biased and hypocritical attitudes they have displayed.”
“They should have conducted a thorough investigation before reaching hasty judgments.”
“The accurate account, for those with an impartial mindset, is this: On 02/09/2024, my husband went to a food stall near Chicken Republic eatery in Igbokoda to make a purchase.”
“There, he encountered Williams Ayerin and Ola Judah, relatives of Oba Williams Segun Akinyomi, the Amapetu of Mahin and a close associate of Ms. Toyin Ogungbure.”
“During their discussion, which veered into politics, they accused my husband of leaving the APC with Hon. Olugbenga Oedema, the NNPP gubernatorial candidate, ‘after benefiting from the APC.’”
“In the ensuing argument, Ola Judah called Ms. Ogungbure to the stall, where she began hurling insults at Hon. Gbenga Oedema and my husband.”
“Throughout the altercation, my husband remained seated; it was Ms. Toyin Ogungbure who initiated aggression by having her police officer arrest him after throwing a ceramic plate that narrowly missed him.”
“When intimidation failed, they called in naval officers from the FOB to forcibly handle my husband, but the Navy’s professionalism prevented them from succumbing to such manipulation.”
“The Navy, after an inquiry involving my husband, Ms. Ogungbure, and other witnesses, concluded that there was no justification for his torture.”
“However, Ms. Ogungbure persisted in demanding my husband’s punishment, leading to his reluctant handover to the police by the Navy.”
“He was unlawfully detained in a police cell overnight, instead of being granted bail. This raises serious concerns.”
“Subsequently, he was swiftly arraigned before a magistrate on 03/09/2024 without the option of bail and remanded for a month, despite the minor nature of the alleged offense.”
“We want the public and the people of Ondo State to discern who is the perpetrator of bullying and harassment in this situation.”
“Hon. Wunmi Fayemi-Obayelu baselessly claims my husband has a history of harassing Ms. Toyin Ogungbure and other women in the constituency and Ilaje at large.”
“This is a glaring fabrication from an esteemed member of the House of Assembly.
“My husband votes in Ode Mahin, Mahin Ward I, while Ms. Toyin Ogungbure votes in Ogogoro, Mahin Ward II. How could he have assaulted her when they do not even share the same polling location?”
“Let the truth be sought on the altercation with Omonise Oyewole during the 2023 elections, where Ms. Ogungbure falsely accused a young man of assaulting her for preventing diversion of election materials.”
“I urge Nigerians, particularly women, to disregard Ms. Ogungbure’s attempts to portray herself as the victim. In reality, she has been the one intimidating and harassing my husband.”
