Alimi Threatens To Sue Banik, Demands Retraction Of N3.7bn Allegations

Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon. Kolapo Alimi, has threatened to take legal action against former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Abdulyekeen Adebayo Adeleke, popularly known as Banik, over an alleged defamatory statement.

In a letter dated 13th March 2025, addressed to Banik and signed by Alimi’s solicitor, Naim Adekilekun Esq of Wemimo, Adekilekun & Co., the commissioner is demanding an immediate retraction of the statement, a public apology in two national newspapers, and the sum of N500 million in damages.

The legal action stems from a report published by online news platform Newsfusionng on 10th March 2025.

In the publication titled “How Adeleke’s Commissioner, Kolapo Alimi Superintends N3.7bn Fraud on Non-Existent Project,” Banik alleged that Alimi, during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, oversaw the withdrawal of N3.7 billion for a project that never existed.

The report further claimed that a sum of N600 million was withdrawn in a single day on 27th December 2017, allegedly under Alimi’s supervision. The transaction was reportedly executed by one Jayeola Omoboyede, who was said to be the ALGON chairman at the time.

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Alimi, through his lawyer, vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as “false, unfounded, and defamatory.”

The letter clarified that Alimi was never a member of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and never managed or operated its accounts.

“Our client was at no time, either ALGON Chairman, Secretary, or even a member of ALGON. There was no time when travis scott air jordan 1 retro low og black olive release date fall 2024 our client had cause to run, manage, or operate the account of ALGON either then or now, and these facts nike air vortex black vintage boots , AspennigeriaShops , Cut in half: Nike Journey Run Review (2024) are well known to you,” the letter stated.

The commissioner’s legal team argued that the allegations had caused significant harm to his reputation, exposing him to public ridicule and disrepute. It further warned that the statement had painted him as a fraudulent public official in the eyes of right-thinking individuals.

In light of the severity of the claims, Alimi is demanding an unconditional retraction of the defamatory statement within seven days, alongside a public apology in two national newspapers.

He is also seeking N500 million in damages for the reputational harm allegedly caused by Banik’s remarks.

The legal notice warned that failure to comply with these demands within the stipulated time frame would result in legal action against Banik.

As of the time of filing nike air force 1 07 black cool grey racer blue white this report, Banik had yet to respond to the lawsuit.