By joshua 
FALSEHOOD EXPOSED: MY POSITION ON THE EGBE TRADITIONAL CRISIS
Before delving into the details of the false allegations made against me by a group of Chiefs led by Chief Doyin Bolaji, it is important to state clearly that these dissident Chiefs do not possess the traditional authority to represent the Egbe community.
Over the years, they have consistently attempted to undermine the revered traditional institution led by the Elegbe of Egbe, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ayodele Irukera, who is the Chairman of the Yagba West Traditional Council.
Their persistent and recalcitrant attempts to subvert constituted authority, through gross disrespect to the Elegbe stool, insubordination, and a contemptuous disposition toward the traditional head of Egbe, led to their ban from the Egbe Traditional Council. They represent only a tiny faction whose influence is minimal and inconsequential.
They have made no secret of their intention to destabilize the community by fomenting unrest and dragging Egbe into avoidable litigation. Indeed, they have instituted multiple cases against the very community they claim to represent. The people of Egbe know them for who they are, and no reasonable person should take their claims seriously.
Sometime in 2024, a dispute arose within the Egbe community over the vacant stool of the Oba Ijalu. As someone who has consistently refrained from involvement in matters relating to traditional titles, I had no knowledge of, nor participation in, the processes that led to the selection of any individual.
It later came to my attention that one Mr. Luke Sunday Olokun had been selected—a development that triggered serious unrest within the community and eventually led to the arrest of some Chiefs who were taken to Lokoja.
Following their release, and to my utmost surprise, these Chiefs made false and damaging allegations against me, claiming I masterminded their arrest. These claims were widely circulated on social media, clearly intended to malign my reputation and mislead the public. Upon becoming aware of these publications, I immediately instructed my lawyer to demand a retraction.
In an effort to resolve the matter amicably, several respected stakeholders intervened. Religious leaders in Egbe, led by Rev. Babawarun, stepped in. Also notable was the intervention of Mr. Andy, a Canadian missionary with Help International, an organization supporting key development initiatives, including the Egbe Airstrip project, who made sincere efforts to persuade the group to issue a public apology for their falsehood.
Prominent sons of Egbe, including Engr. Godwin Abayomi (GODAB), joined in these efforts. Distinguished personalities such as Major General Adeniyi (Rtd), Ambassador Rotimi, and the leadership of the Okun Development Association also appealed to Chief Doyin Bolaji and his group to withdraw their false claims.
Despite these sincere and well-meaning interventions, they refused. Chief Doyin Bolaji maintained that, as a Chief, it would constitute a customary aberration for him to publicly retract his earlier statements. However, he admitted wrongdoing, offered a private apology, and appealed that I withdraw the case.
Left with no other option to protect my integrity, I approached the court to seek redress. However, while the matter was still pending and had not been assigned to any judge, Chief Doyin Bolaji began to seek reconciliation through intermediaries.
Subsequently, a peace meeting was convened at the instance of concerned stakeholders, with the approval of the Elegbe of Egbe. The Baale of Egbe convened the meeting between Chief Doyin Bolaji’s group and myself, with Ambassador Rotimi in attendance. I attended alongside two associates.
At that meeting, both parties spoke frankly. I made it unequivocally clear that the allegations against me were entirely false and unfounded. Those involved know the actual person responsible for their ordeal but deliberately chose to deflect blame and tarnish my image.
For the avoidance of doubt, I also urged that the Governor of Kogi State, to whom they have now taken their petition, should use his good offices to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. The truth can easily be established by obtaining records from the Police authorities to identify the petitioner whose complaint led to their arrest, and by verifying whether at any point I made, or caused to be made, any call intended to influence the process. The facts are clear and verifiable. Facts speak for itself.
At that same meeting, Chief Doyin Bolaji offered an apology. In my response, I urged him and his group to abandon their rebellion against the Elegbe, the recognized traditional authority in Egbe. It was evident that they had constituted themselves into a faction working to undermine both the institution and the peace of the community.
I made it a condition for withdrawing the case that they should discontinue all actions and cases instituted against the community and embrace peace for the progress of Egbe.
In good faith, and in the overriding interest of peace, I agreed to withdraw the court action, particularly as the case had not yet been assigned nor any summons issued. It must be stated clearly that the claim that they expended ten million naira on the matter is entirely false, baseless, and appears to have been concocted to mislead and possibly defraud unsuspecting sympathizers.
Regrettably, despite the reconciliation and the commitments made, the group has continued in acts of defiance against the Elegbe and has refused to sheath its sword. Even more disturbing is the fact that they have resurrected the same false allegations which they had earlier admitted were untrue and for which they apologized.
It is sad that political jesters have repackaged a matter that is already a dead horse in a desperate attempt to score political points. But no matter how it is dressed, a dead horse remains dead.
For the avoidance of doubt, I had no hand in their arrest. They are fully aware of those responsible but chose, for reasons best known to them, to blackmail me and drag my name into the controversy. These claims are false, misleading, and should be disregarded.
Beyond these issues, it is important to place on record my standing and contributions within the Egbe community. I am widely known and respected as a committed son of the land who has consistently invested time, resources, and personal effort into the development of our people.
At different times, I have been considered for highly revered chieftaincy titles, which I respectfully declined, choosing instead to serve without titles and remain focused on tangible impact. One of the most significant contributions I have championed is the construction of the modern Palace in Egbe, an iconic edifice that stands as a symbol of unity, progress, and pride. I led other notable sons and daughters of the community to bring this vision to life.
The Palace comprises the main palace, administrative offices, and a befitting residence for our Oba. By every standard, it ranks among the finest residential palaces in Kogi State, if not the very best.
This historic project, worth hundreds of millions of naira, was made possible through my personal commitment and substantial contributions from my household, alongside support from other well-meaning stakeholders.
In October last year, during the celebration of Egbe Day, the Elegbe formally moved into this new residence in a historic and unifying moment for our people. Notably, the same group fomenting dissent was conspicuously absent. Their absence spoke volumes.
Similarly, when I facilitated and commissioned a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the military in our community, another critical intervention aimed at strengthening security and safeguarding lives and property, the same group stayed away.
Their consistent absence from transformative, community-driven initiatives underscores a troubling pattern of acting against the collective interest of Egbe.
While they choose the path of division and discord, my record remains one of sacrifice, development, and unwavering commitment to the peace and progress of our land.
While I have chosen not to return to court, out of respect for my honour and my earlier decision to withdraw the case in pursuit of peace, I will not remain silent in the face of persistent falsehood.
I have absolute confidence in the truth and in divine justice.
If indeed I had any hand in the allegations that I, Senator Sunday Karimi, masterminded their arrest, may God, in His infinite justice, punish me accordingly and without delay.
But if, as is evident, these allegations are false and malicious, then I leave them to the judgment of God, trusting that His justice will prevail over those who bear false witness and their co-conspirators. They will not escape the punishment of God, except if I have a hand in their arrest.
Truth will always prevail over falsehood, no matter how long it takes.
Signed:
Senator Steve Sunday Karimi
Senator Representing Kogi West Senatorial District