By Sesi Noah A fresh twist in the controversy over the ancestry of Badagry-born activist and risk-management expert Comrade Olufemi Sewanu ...
By Sesi Noah
A fresh twist in the controversy over the ancestry of Badagry-born activist and risk-management expert Comrade Olufemi Sewanu Iroko emerged today as the Toyi and Kuawonnu family of Depekoh Compound, Ajara-Isalu, officially identified him as a member of their lineage and issued a glowing recommendation vouching for his roots.
The development comes after an earlier public disclaimer dated September 2, 2025, and signed by Mr. E.P. Iroko, in which another Ajara-Isalu family described Olufemi as an “imposter” and denied any blood ties. That disclaimer — addressed to De VOICE Newspaper — accused the activist of seeking “cheap political popularity” and warned that his claims could tarnish the family’s reputation.
In response, Badagry Today has seen a letter of identification and recommendation issued by the Toyi & Kuawonnu Family Forum and signed by Hon. (Elder) Joseph D. Toyi, the family head. The document affirms that Olufemi Sewanu Iroko was born in Depekoh Compound, Ajara-Isalu, and spells out both his paternal and maternal roots in Ajara, recommending him to “anyone who may ask.”
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| The Letter of Identification |
In a telephone interview with Badagry Today, Comrade Iroko welcomed the identification letter and elaborated on his multi-family heritage. He explained that his paternal roots are in Depekoh/Toyi Quarters, which span across Ajara Salu, Ajara Lopo, and the Ogu-speaking part of Ipokia in Ogun State. According to him, both his father and grandfather hail from there, with his father having served — and still serving — in youth and family forum leadership.
“I was born in Depeko/Toyi Compound/quarters, Ajara Isalu which my father and grandparent are from,” he said. “If I were to contest for any election in Badagry today, I am one of the few people that have multiple options.”
He also traced his maternal background to Ajara Topa, linking his maternal side with the Owolabani and Tofunko compounds, and noting ancestral ties extending to Hougbonou, Cotonou. Iroko said he grew up in Aganmathen with his parents for about 30 years and that his grandfather is the High Chief Ponfon of Ajara Topa Kingdom.
On the question of surname, Iroko was firm: “As for the name I choose as surname, whether IROKO or not, nobody has monopoly of any name... no one has right as the sole user of a name.” He added that names do not define him — “God, the culture, ethics and character instilled by my family and ancestors” do.
Olufemi has described the earlier disclaimer as what he called “corruption fighting back.” In a public post, he explicitly distanced himself from the Pohento/Meda descendants named by the disowning family, reiterating that he belongs to the Toyi and Kuawonnu families of Depekoh Quarters.
He alleged the move to disown him was politically motivated, claiming some members of the other Iroko family sought local government appointments and viewed his advocacy for transparency and accountability as an obstacle. “They think my advocacy stands in their way,” he told Badagry Today.
Standing by his record as a grassroots accountability crusader, Iroko said he will not be silenced. He confirmed plans to pursue legal action over what he described as defamatory and libelous publications, warning that those responsible would be held to account in court.
The counter-statement from the Toyi–Kuawonnu family has already intensified debate across Ajara-Isalu and the wider Badagry community. Supporters of the activist say the identification letter settles the question of his origins, while critics think otherwise.
For now, both sides appear to be digging in: one family’s public disclaimer, another’s formal identification, and an activist prepared to test the matter in the legal arena. Badagry Today will continue to follow developments and report on any official court filings, family responses, or community mediation efforts as they unfold.
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