Chief Taiwo Omolaja Samson, also known as (AFOO), the Bobagunwa of Iselu Kingdom, has condemned the recent documentary produced by Fisayo Soyombo, concerning Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, widely known as IBD Dende. He said the documentary is not only defamatory but also political.
Chief Taiwo stated that the focus of the documentary, IBD Dende, is a figure with a multifaceted background as a farmer, palm kernel dealer, quarry owner, and hotelier, earning praise for his philanthropic endeavours.
According to Chief Taiwo, the documentary hints at Dende’s political alignment with Yayi, raising questions about the motivations behind the alleged defamation.
“Notably, Soyombo refrains from directly implicating Dende in smuggling activities, dismissing claims that the IBD International Hotel was funded through illicit means,” he said.
Taiwo argues that given Dende’s diverse business portfolio, constructing a hotel should not be deemed suspicious.
He stressed the importance of distinguishing between hearsay and confirmed facts in investigative journalism.
Taiwo highlights that no court has convicted Dende, asserting that journalists lack the authority to make defamatory claims in the absence of concrete evidence.
He points out Soyombo’s failure to involve law enforcement in his exposé on alleged smuggling activities, casting doubt on the thoroughness of the documentary’s verification process.
“Dende is a figure with a reputedly good heart and a patriotic citizen. So, we are worried about the potential tarnishing of his image,” he said.
“There is need for responsible journalism backed by substantiated evidence,” he added.