Iganna Kingdom Condemns Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat’s Defamatory Remarks on Ayinla Adegator’s Legacy
The Iganna Kingdom strongly condemns the recent media outburst by Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat on his radio program, Kokoro Alate, aired on Agidigbo 88.7 FM, where he made unfounded and disparaging claims about the circumstances surrounding the death of the legendary Yoruba classical music maestro, Ayinla Adegator. These remarks not only defame the family of the late icon but also tarnish the revered heritage of Iganna Kingdom, a prominent Yoruba community in Oyo State.
Hamzat’s statements, which suggested that Iganna is a hub of witchcraft and wizardry, are deeply offensive and contradict our proud heritage, encapsulated in our oriki: “Iganna ti o loṣo, ti o laje, omori odo ni won fi lurawon”—a testament to our ancestors’ warrior spirit and preference for resolving disputes honorably, not through spiritual malice. Such baseless allegations are an assault on our collective history and cultural dignity.
Ayinla Adegator is more than an individual; he is a cultural icon whose contributions to Yoruba music and heritage remain a source of pride for generations. To malign his legacy with unverified claims is to disrespect not only his family but also the entire Yoruba race. As a respected journalist and media entrepreneur, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat is expected to uphold the ethics of journalism—truth, fairness, and accountability. His failure to consult authoritative sources, such as the Sabiganna of Iganna, the custodian of our history, before broadcasting such claims undermines his professional credibility.
We, the sons and daughters of Iganna Kingdom, view Hamzat’s remarks as a grave insult to Adegator’s memory and our community’s integrity. His platform, which should champion truth and cultural preservation, has instead been used to spread falsehoods. Journalism demands rigorous fact-checking and balanced reporting, not sensationalism that sows discord.
We call on Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat to issue a public retraction and apology to Ayinla Adegator’s family and the Iganna Kingdom within seven days. Failure to do so will be seen as a continued affront to a legacy that deserves reverence, not ridicule. Hamzat’s past contributions, including his advocacy through Agidigbo FM, are notable, but they do not exempt him from accountability.
The legacy of Ayinla Adegator remains untarnished, a beacon of Yoruba artistry and resilience. Respect for the dead is respect for our history, and respect for our history is respect for ourselves. We urge Alhaji Hamzat, as a true Yoruba son and journalist, to do the needful and restore trust in his platform.
Signed,
Sodiq Yusuf
Media Aide to the Sabiganna of Iganna Kingdom
Contact: 07068041823