Ooni addresses claim of scamming US-based lady $180k

Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has dismissed a report claiming he scammed a US-based lady of $180,000. 

Recently, a blogger took to X to claim Ooni received the money from the Osun-born lady identified as Fagbule in what was alleged to be a marriage scam.

The post alleged that the traditional ruler shared a good rapport with the victim said to be an Ile-Ife indigene.

The post claimed the US-based doctor wanted to organise a free medical service for women and children in Ile-Ife but was allegedly duped $180,000.

Reacting via a statement shared by Moses Olafare, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Ogunwusi denied the allegations, describing them as “fake, untrue, and absolutely unfounded”.

Ogunwusi also denied having an interpersonal relationship with the lady.

The palace said Fagbule fell victim to scammers who pretended to be the monarch. Ogunwusi also warned women against their desperation to become his wife.

The monarch added that the victim should have reported the incident to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) instead of going to social media.

“That the news as posted by a Twitter (now X) handle called “99% OPPRESSED” is fake, untrue, and absolutely an unfounded allegation only adopted as a nugatory character assassination tactic aimed at achieving a cheap popularity with a view to drawing huge followers/traffic for avaricious monetization from Twitter (X),” the statement reads in part.

“That the so-called Mrs Fagbule was and is never known to the Ooni of Ife for any interpersonal communication or relationship whatsoever, talk less of being so promised with a marriage proposal.

“That if truly the lady so mentioned as Ms Fagbule is from Osun State or Ile-Ife in particular, why didn’t she come to the palace to meet Ooni in person throughout their co-called relationship?