By Peter Dansu The storm around the identity of Olufemi Sewanu Iroko, a risk management expert and vocal advocate for good governance, too...
By Peter Dansu
The storm around the identity of Olufemi Sewanu Iroko, a risk management expert and vocal advocate for good governance, took a dramatic turn this this morning as a certain Iroko family of Ajara-Isalu in Badagry publicly disowned him. But in a swift response, Iroko has dismissed the move as nothing more than “corruption fighting back.”
The family’s position was made known through a Disclaimer Letter addressed to De VOICE Newspaper, dated September 2, 2025, and signed by the family head, Mr. E.P. Iroko.
In the strongly worded disclaimer, the family insisted that Olufemi is neither a son nor a descendant of the Iroko lineage of Ajara-Isalu. They described him as an “imposter” seeking “cheap political popularity” and further alleged that his activities could tarnish the reputation of their “dignified and honoured” family.
The letter read in part:
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“That the said ‘Oluwafemi Sewanu Iroko’ is not a son, neither a grandson nor a great-grandson of Iroko of Ajara-Isalu.”
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“That he is not an indigene of Ajara-Isalu.”
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“That he is a misplaced and lost individual who wants to lay claims to the dignified and honoured Iroko family of Ajara-Isalu.”
The family also pledged unwavering loyalty to the political elite of Badagry and Lagos State, distancing themselves from what they described as Iroko’s “unnecessary quest for recognition.”
However, Olufemi, in his response, was unshaken. Speaking with De VOICE, he dismissed the disclaimer as a ploy orchestrated by those who feel threatened by his consistent call for accountability in grassroots governance.
“First off, my name is Olufemi, not Oluwafemi. I really don’t have the time or energy to respond to such gibberish,” he said.
He further alleged that some members of the Iroko family were behind the disclaimer because they were lobbying for political appointments and saw him as a stumbling block.
“This is coming up because some persons from this family want to be appointed as local government supervisors. They think my advocacy for accountability stands in their way. That is why they want to disassociate me from their family name,” he stated.
On his roots, Olufemi explained that he belongs to the Depekoh compound in Ajara-Isalu, which is close to the Meda compound where the Iroko family hails from. He stressed that this was a family matter that community elders could easily resolve.
“The Depekoh people are proud of their son, especially for how I have positively positioned Ajara-Isalu and Badagry on the global stage,” he maintained.
He vowed not to be silenced, despite threats to his life over his activism.
“For the records, I will not be gagged. The development of Badagry is sacrosanct, and we will ensure it happens. If grassroots governance is failing the people, we will call them out,” he declared.
Olufemi concluded by wishing those lobbying for appointments well, saying, “I hope they get what they want from their oppressors. As for me, my focus remains on ensuring Badagry becomes one of the most desirable places to live, work, and relax.”
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