Aruwa Royal Family Defends Traditional Ruler Against Smear Campaign, Refutes Media Reports 

Aruwa Royal Family Defends Traditional Ruler Against Smear Campaign, Refutes Media Reports 

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Aruwa Royal Family has issued a strong rebuttal against a recent publication they described as a “malicious and politically motivated” attack on their esteemed traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Chief Pharmacist Alhassan Abdulmumuni, the Ogodugba Taru of Osuku Community in Koton Karfe Local Government Area of Kogi State.

In a statement signed by M T Abdulrahman, a copy of which was made available to NATIONAL PERISCOPE, the family denounced the article published by the “faceless” blog, Global Times Nigeria, which they claim was filled with “falsehoods and inaccuracies” aimed at undermining the reputation of Chief Alhassan.

“The attention of the good people of Osuku Community and Aruwa royal house has been drawn to a malicious and politically motivated publication aimed at tarnishing the impeccable reputation of our revered traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Chief Pharmacist Alhassan Abdulmumuni (OGODUGBA TARU OF OSUKU).

“This ill-intentioned piece, published in one faceless blog, Global Times Nigeria was laced with falsehoods and inaccuracies and obviously sponsored to discredit the His Royal Highness and mislead the public about the true state of affairs in Osuku community. It is imperative to set the record straight and expose the deliberate falsehoods peddled against our royal father,” the statement partly read.

According to the family, the article in question purportedly accused Chief Alhassan of inciting crisis and insecurity within Osuku. However, the royal family refuted these claims, stating that the Chief has been a pillar of peace, unity, and progress, dedicated to ensuring the community thrives harmoniously regardless of political affiliations.

“The allegations that he is running a draconian traditional administration and opposing the leadership of the ruling party in Kogi State are unfounded.

“The Chief is, first and foremost, a father to all and has always maintained a neutral and non-partisan stance, which is expected of a true custodian of tradition and culture. His responsibility is to serve as a bridge between the government and the people, ensuring that peace and development reach every corner of Osuku,” Aruwas noted.

The family highlighted the so-called Black Lion group, led by Comrade Yahaya Umar, alleging that it operates not as a sociopolitical organization but rather as a faction driven by divisive interests.

It is laughable that the so-called Black Lion group, led by Comrade Yahaya Umar, under the sponsorship of a certain lawyer who has taken it upon itself to cast aspersions on our revered traditional ruler. This group, which claims to be a sociopolitical organization, is in fact a faction known for its divisive tendencies and its desperate attempt to curry favor from political elites. Their recent statement, filled with baseless accusations, is nothing but a desperate attempt to undermine the authority of the Chief and serve their own selfish interests.

“Rather than fostering peace, the group’s continuous attack on the traditional ruler has been a source of disunity and tension in the community. The claim that the Chief is instigating crises and insecurity is a diversionary tactic to cover up their own activities, which is aimed at causing unease among the peace-loving people of Osuku,” the statement further revealed.

The Aruwa Royal Family outlined several achievements under Chief Alhassan’s leadership, including the facilitation of improved healthcare services, advocacy for infrastructure development, promotion of peace among factions, and initiatives aimed at youth empowerment. They emphasized that these accomplishments demonstrate the Chief’s commitment to the community, countering claims that he works against its progress.

The Aruwas further condemned the attacks on Chief Alhassan as politically motivated, suggesting that they stem from individuals who view him as an obstacle to their ambitions.

They therefore called on the Kogi State Government and security agencies to tread carefully regarding the unfounded allegations.

“His Royal Highness has always supported peace and development, and any attempt to intimidate or undermine his leadership is an attack on the entire Osuku community. As it is claimed in the fictitious write-up, if at all, there was a petition or allegations against Yahaya Umar and his sponsor, one would expect that the right thing to do is to allow the law to take its course if at all they have nothing to hide. Umar and his rabble-rousers are hereby advised to adhere to the rule of law while the investigation on the purported petition is effectively dealt with.

“The Royal Father remains committed to fostering unity and ensuring that Osuku continues on the path of progress under his leadership and aligned himself with the leadership quality of His Excellency Governor Ahmed Ododo,” they said.

The statement concluded with a rallying call to the community, encouraging them to support their traditional ruler: “The Aruwa royal family and the good people of Osuku community stand firmly behind our traditional ruler, HRH Alhassan Abdulmumuni Danlami.”

“Long live Osuku community! Long live HRH. Chief Pharmacist Alhassan Danlami! Long live Kogi State!” the statement declared.