Several persons have penned rebuttals and rejoinders in response to an article targeted at Captain Idahosa Okunbo’s character.
The article, written by one Honourable Marvelous Zibiri who’s said to be an aide of Edo State Governor, had described Okunbo as a “drug baron” over his experience with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in 1995.
But in a statement, the trained commercial pilot said the article was aimed at smearing his hard-earned reputation with innuendos, allusions and outright falsehoods. He said he has never been charged nor interrogated for any drug-related or criminal issue anywhere in the world.
In 1995, after NDLEA received a petition questioning his wealth, he instituted legal proceedings against the agency. The case was subsequently brought before the Miscellaneous offences Tribunal, Lagos, where it was established that the prosecution had not made a prima facie case against him that would warrant him defending himself.
Okunbo was thereafter discharged and acquitted on a ‘no case’ submission.
Several messages of support from different quarters have described him as a man of integrity who could not have been guilty of such allegations. They all condemned attempts to smear his “hard-earned image”.
‘HIS INTEGRITY IS INTACT’
In his message, Hon. Sunny Aguebor, described Okunbo as a man whose integrity and capacity is intact.
Aguebor, who noted that he has known the trained pilot and his family all his life, said he cannot be associated with whatever his detractors have accused him of.
“It is baseless and unfounded,” he said. “You have built a name and business empire for yourself over the years, you are a man of strong character. Sir, I advise you to kindly disregard the cheap malicious character assassination, it does not deserve your precious time. My father told me, only a tree with fruits attracts stones. You are a big tree with some many fruits, so stones are expected.
“Kindly stay focused on your business and philanthropic work. May God Almighty continue to bless and reward your selfless spirit, kindness and service to humanity.”
‘STOP DENIGRATING OUR SON AND BROTHER’
In another message of support, Bisi Idaomi has vowed that any move to peddle falsehoods against Okunbo will be resisted by the people of Edo within the ambit of the law.
“Here is a man who does more for our people, leaders, students, women from Edo extraction than those in the present Edo State Govt,” the message read.
“Sending one of your aides to insult and peddle falsehoods about our son will be resisted by the ordinary Edo man and woman within the ambit of the law. This is a firm promise.”
‘HE’S AN INESTIMABLE ASSET’
In his own message, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives Samson Osagie described Okunbo as an inestimable asset in Edo’s socio-cultural and economic nexus.
Osagie noted that accomplished persons like him should be extolled for their excellence.
“Those whose official duty is to malign and pull down others usually don’t go far in life. We must continue to extoll our own frontline generals in business, politics, administration and in all facets of human endeavours,” he said.
“For those with power today, remember there is nothing permanent in life, not even our positions today. We stand with Captain Hosa at this moment of the ineffectual attempt of some carpet beggars and unfriendly people to undermine his humanity.”
‘HE’S A GEM’
Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo on his part hailed Okunbo’s sterling records as a youngster. He noted that hard situations have always brought out the gem in the businessman.
“Those who had no inclining of the torture but a distinguished path to greatness may remain in their satanic pit,” Omo-Ojo wrote.
“You have been tried, tested and polished by the vagaries and the whimsical arbitrariness of Nigeria’s economy and political uncertainty. Like precious metals, the storm only brought out your gem!”
‘HE DELIVERS UNUSUAL SERVICES & INTEGRITY’
Hon. Razak Edo-Osagie described Okunbo as a man who followed a trajectory and sustained path to greatness, powered by delivering unusual services and integrity.
He described this ethos as the trained pilot’s most cherished & preached values which he has sustained over several decades.
“Your very intimidating and progressive profile has been a source of worry to them including those who pretend to be friends. They have been merchants of mischief and envy,” he said.
“I am confidently reassured that your current actions will cure permanently their long-overdue sinister and malicious charades over the years. I stoutly agree with you that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I therefore eloquently endorse your current actions and congratulate you, my dear brother, on this path.”
‘HE’S A GREAT SON OF EDO’
Hon Festus Ebea said any attempt to bring Okunbo down will be met by strong resistance, describing the philanthropist as a great son of Edo.
“Anyone who attempts to drag Capi into unnecessary politics for a selfish and ulterior motive is only showing his inferiority complex through subterfuge. Capi is a household name not only in Edo but Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
“So any attempt at pulling him down will be met by a resistance never imagined. Capi as a benefactor to all is a great son of Edo that we are all ever so proud of. We dare the coward to show his face. All his admirers will never take kindly to any known sponsors of lies and hate against him.”
‘HE’S A PHILANTHROPIST EXTRAORDINAIRE AND STATESMAN’
Victor Ojeikere also described Okunbo as a philanthropist extraordinaire, a statesman and a business mogul par excellence. Describing the captain as a generalissimo, he condemned the attempt to cast aspersions on his character.
“I hereby add my voice to well-meaning Edolites to condemn in strong terms the attempt to cast aspersions on our generalissimo, never again will such nonsense go unanswered,” he said.
“The general public is hereby advised to take note and warn all mischief makers to stay clear.”
‘HE’S A MAN OF RARE SHREWDNESS AND INDUBITABLE CANDOUR’
Likewise, Chief Owen Chamberlain Obaseki condemned the writer and promoters of the article, describing them as mischief-makers.
According to him, the businessman is a man of prudence, rare shrewdness, utmost humility and indubitable candour.
“Captain Hosa Wells Okunbo is one of the best men one could ever wish to come in contact within one’s life’s journey and to think that he could become a victim of such media attack is a great disservice not just to him but to every good and honest man out there,” Obaseki said.
“As a people, we should learn to draw the line. Captain Hosa Wells Okunbo deserves every atom of respect and solidarity.
“However, for the avoidance of doubts and for the sake of posterity, it should be clearly stated, that all the accusations against Captain Hosa Wells Okunbo in the ignominious article, is grossly false and bears no semblance to verity, truth or veracity.”
‘HE’S PASSIONATE ABOUT DOING THINGS RIGHT’
OB Baker described the allegations being peddled against Okunbo as a campaign of calumny.
“You need to be close to captain Hosa to know how hard-working and sincere he is. I am privileged to have worked with him within and outside Nigeria, and I know he is very passionate about doing things right,” Baker wrote.
‘HIS PASSION FOR A BETTER SOCIETY IS LEGENDARY’
Aiyemekue Edokpolo hailed Okunbo, who’s the recipient/holder of Grand Commander of Edo Youths Award, for his passion for a better society for Edo people and Nigerians as a whole. He described his passion as legendary. He chided his detractors for what he described as a mischievous publication.
“Those of us – who interact with you at any time of the day – can attest to your encyclopedic brilliance, esoteric reasoning frequency, and your painstaking interrogative disposition,” Edokpolo stated.
“Also worthy of note is – your sterling entrepreneurial dexterity, which forms the fulcrum of accolades by your cerebral and upright business and community development associates – which are now part of your description – Captain of the airways, the Sailor of the high seas, rainbow Ambassador of Benin nation, etc.
“While reading the masterpiece of an advertorial, I mirrored the genius in you. Well played sir.”
‘HE DOESN’T HAVE ANY AFFILIATION WITH DRUG PEDDLING’
Socio-cultural group, Ose-Ghedo Forum Worldwide, also joining the train, stated that Okunbo does not have any affiliation with drug peddling.
In a lengthy statement signed by its National President, Kenneth Erhunmwunsee; Deputy National President, Eseosa Igbinoba; Secretary-General, Kayode Eweka; PRO, Osahon Uwagboe, the group hailed Okunbo as a renowned and very successful professional pilot who retired from service without blemish and opted into legitimate businesses.
“Today by God’s grace, he is an accomplished industrialist and a consummate businessman of international standard and repute. In fact, he is one of the few key individuals driving the Economy of this great Nation to its desired place of pride and abundance,” the statement read in part.
“In Edo state here, we are all aware of his chains of investments that have successfully created thousands of jobs for our indigenous teeming youths and professionals.”
The group called for Zibiri’s arrest and prosecution “for his libellous onslaught with a particular interest in the expositions of his sponsors as well as his prosecution for actions capable of causing a breach of public peace.”
‘CAPI IS UNTOUCHABLE’
Hon Chris Okaeben, on his part, condemned the attempt to cast aspersions on Okunbo’s hard-earned image.
“As a people, this is not who we are. Edolites are loving and God-fearing,” he said.
“Captain Hosa is our beloved son in whom we are well pleased. To all mischief-makers out there, STAY AFAR, Capi is untouchable… Praemonitus, praemunitus.”
Okunbo, a business magnate, investor, philanthropist and trained commercial pilot, serves as either chairman or director on numerous company boards in Nigeria.
The native of Edo State became a professional commercial pilot at the age of 21. He was made a captain in 1983 at the age of 25.
Okunbo was a flight captain with Intercontinental Airlines for about two years, then was employed by Okada Airlines for three years. In 1988, he retired from piloting at the age of 30, having logged over 7,000 hours of flight time, and ventured into private business.
He is a recipient of several awards that include the Global Peace Award from the chairman of the Order of Lafayette Awards; Businessman of the Year award at the ‘2016 Vanguard Personality of Year Awards’; and Africa Titans Award from the Congress of the United States in collaboration with the African Society Summit.
In November 2012, the University of Benin conferred Okunbo with an honorary Doctor of Science degree. Also on October 2, 2014, Oba of Benin Kingdom, Oba Erediauwa, gifted him with ‘Traditional Beads’ for being a worthy son of the ancient Kingdom.
aledeh.com
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