The Okonu Odebiyi Kehinde Bamgbose Family in Epe, Lagos State, has debunked an allegation that the state deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, did not hail from the community.

The family described the allegation made by a group, ‘Epe Aboriginals & Indigenes’, as “laughable and a joke taken too far”, noting that Hamzat is an Epe indigene.

The Okonu Odebiyi Kehinde Bamgbose Family made this known in a statement made available to The Star on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

The family noted: “To set the records straight, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat is from the family of Okonu, a well-known and respected family in Oke-Balogun, Epe.

“His late mother, Alhaja Hamdalat Kehinde Okonu, was one of the daughters of the late Pa Abdulazeez Okonu, the Scion of the larger family from Oke-Balogun in Epe.

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“The late Pa Abdulazeez Okonu, Obafemi’s grandfather was the eldest of the four children from the same mother.

“The other three are Kashamu Kehinde, Braimoh Odebiyi, and Rabiu Bamgbose.

“Pa Abdulazeez Okonu was one of those who followed Kosojo on his voyage from Lagos Island to Epe where he settled around 1851 or thereabouts.

“Pa Abdulazeez later went back to Lagos and brought his three brothers from Egbe Court in Lagos Island to Epe and settled at Egbe Street in Oke-Balogun.

“So for anyone to postulate that our son, the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, is not from Epe is indeed laughable and a joke taken too far.

“We also make bold to say as family members that our son, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, is a well-behaved public officer who has acquainted himself very well and contributed a lot to the progress of Lagos State.

“Therefore this campaign of calumny aimed at maligning his good reputation will not succeed. It is unfortunate that some people will engage in a Pull Down Syndrome.

“True Epe indigenes are law-abiding and peaceful. We cherish our heritage and therefore appeal to these people to behave like real Omoluabi that we are known for.”

The Star