The family of Akerejola and Ogori Descendants’ Union (ODU) have given 14 days ultimatum to the editorial board of People’s Gazette, an online media platform to retract the malicious publication against it son, Major General Erema Akerejola or risk litigation.
Recall that People’s Gazette an online media outlet allegedly published an story against serving officer, Major General Erema Akerejola, alleging corruption, financial impropriety and misconduct.
At a press conference held in Lokoja, Kogi State on Friday, the solicitor of Akerejola family, Barrister Ndakwo Abdulrahman Tanko, described the publication as false, defamatory , irresponsible and embarrassing to the entire Akerejola family.
Barrister Tanko said, “It is an orchestrated attempt to assassinate character through lies dressed as journalism. People’s Gazette has by allowing itself to be used, debased journalism and this is highly unfortunate and regrettable.
“There is only innuendo, fabricated whispers and sensational storytelling meant to destroy a man who has given his life to protect this country. Even when it cost him peace, privacy and comfort.
“We are gathered to respond to a dangerous narrative in which the family name was maligned. It is a grossly irresponsible publication by People’s Gazette, which seeks to smear the character and hard-earned reputation of not only Major General Erema Akerejola, a brother, a father, a humanitarian and a hero.
“In fact, the warlord is an Ogori Merit Award holder conferred on him in recognition of his immense contributions to the development of Ogori…it is an embarrassment to the entire Akerejola family of Ogori. We state in unequivocal term that only honourable men get conferred with such an award.
“General Akerejola has never shied away from service . Whether commanding troops in volatile regions or quietly sponsoring the education of over 2000 underprivileged children from Ogori, his life is a Blueprint in patriotism and compassion”.
Barrister Tanko lamented how would anyone attempt to weaponize the media to ruin a life without proof, describing the action as evil.
“The Akerejola family is not asking for favours, we are asking for fairness. Let no one mistake silence for guilt, or restraint for weakness. Today, we begin the process of justice, not just in defense of a man but in defense of truth, of reputation and of the dignity that every Nigerian deserve”, Barrister Tanko said.
Major General Erema Akerejola
THE STANCE OF THE AKEREJOLA FAMILY & OGORI DESCENDANTS’ UNION (ODU)
“Not a Man to be Forgotten. Not a Name to be Shamed.”
Good morning ladies and gentlemen, members of the press, our international observers, and all fellow Nigerians watching around the world.
I speak today, Friday, 25th July, 2025, for and on behalf of the Akerejola Family of Ogori and the Ogori Descendants’ Union (ODU).
We are gathered to respond to a dangerous narrative in which the family name was maligned. It ~ is a grossly irresponsible publication by People’s Gazette, which seeks to smear the character and hard-earned reputation of not only Major General Erema Akerejola: a brother, a father, a humanitarian, and a hero. In fact, an Ogori Merit Award holder in recognition of his immense
contributions to the development of Ogori but the entire Akerejola family of Ogori. We state in unequivocal term that only honourable men get conferred with such an award.
Let us speak plainly: the article is false, defamatory, irresponsible and embarrasing to the entire Akerejola family.
It is an orchestrated attempt to assassinate character through lies dressed as journalism. People’s
Gazette has by allowing itself to be used, debased journalism and this is highly unfortunate and regrettable.
There is no indictment.
There is no criminal charge.
There is only innuendo, fabricated whispers, and sensational storytelling meant to destroy a man who has given his life to protect this country —even when it cost him peace, privacy, and comfort.
General Akerejola has never shied away from service. Whether commanding troops in volatile regions, or quietly sponsoring the education of over 200 underprivileged children from Ogori, his life is a blueprint in patriotism and compassion.
How dare anyone attempt to soil that legacy with unsubstantiated claims?
How dare anyone attempt to weaponize the media to ruin a life without proof? This is evil.
To the editorial board of People’s Gazette—we say this with all due civility and full legal weight:
Cease and desist. Retract or be sued. Apologize or be held accountable. The family demands a retraction within 14 days, failure to do so, the family will be left with no option than take appropnate legal action. The days of unchecked character assassination are over.
To the Nigerian public and the global community:
The Akerejola family is not asking for favours. We are asking for fairness.
Let no one mistake silence for guilt, or restraint for weakness.
Today, we begin the process of justice—not just in defense of a man, but in defense of truth reputation, and of the dignity that every Nigerian deserves.
You may try to shame the name. But you will never erase the legacy.
Thank you.
Barrister Ndakwo Abdulrahman Tanko, the solicitor of Akerejola family.