A renowned Professor of History, Banji Akintoye, on Wednesday warned fraudsters and impersonators to desist from using his name to cajole, wheedle and deceive the general public to mobilize to events and gatherings without his permission.
Akintoye, who is the leader of the umbrella body of Yoruba self-determination groups, Ilana Omo Oodua, though did not mention any name, alleged that some business men who are masquerading to be fighting for Yoruba liberation and development are now fond of using his name and photographs, including that of some top Yoruba Traditional Rulers and Leaders of Thoughts to mobilize to events, and even raise funds, without his knowledge.
The Ado-Ekiti born Don advised members of the public to always cross-check from the secretariat of Ilana Omo Oodua and his media office before accepting invitations to events and gatherings or donate for any struggle heralded on his name.
Some parts of the statement reads: “this is to warn business men hiding under the Yoruba people’s struggle for self-determination to desist from using my name and photographs to swindle, cajole and decieve members of the public.
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“It is criminal and fraudulent to use my name and photo in your poster to mobilize people to events or raise funds without my knowledge or the permission of our secretariat. Those behind this fraud will face the wrath of our ancestors if they do not stop.
“One document is even flying around now where my name and photo and that of Alaafin of Oyo, Ooni of Ife and some top traditional rulers and Leaders of Thoughts are being used to mobilize to an event meant to rubbish the agitation of Yoruba people for self-determination.
“This statement is meant to set the record straight. The men of the media are advised to always cross-check invitations and comments said to have emanated from me through the secretariat of Ilana Omo Oodua and our Directorate of Media and Communications – ilanaomoooduamedia2021@gmail.com-” the statement, said.
