Accord Party governorship candidate in Oyo State and popular broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, has dismissed reports linking him to a police-wanted suspect, describing the claims as a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Hamzat reacted to social media publications alleging an association between him and Surajudeen Babatunde, popularly known as “Surii Ilupeju,” saying the reports were false and malicious.
He said the allegations were politically motivated and intended to mislead the public and undermine his growing political ambition in Oyo State.
“My attention has been drawn to a malicious and mischievous publication circulating on social media seeking to drag my name into a criminal matter involving an individual identified as Surajudeen Adio Babatunde, popularly known as ‘Surii Ilupeju.
“Ordinarily, I would not dignify such desperate propaganda with a response. However, because of the potential for misinformation and the need to set the records straight, it has become necessary to address the falsehoods being peddled by those determined to tarnish my hard-earned reputation,” Hamzat said.
He firmly denied any involvement in criminal activities or links with individuals accused of wrongdoing, stressing that his public life has always been guided by integrity.
“Let me state categorically that I have never, at any time, sponsored, encouraged, shielded, or supported any individual involved in criminal activities.
“Throughout my public life as a broadcaster, humanitarian, and now gubernatorial candidate of the Accord, I have consistently stood on the side of justice, truth, and the rule of law,” he added.
The controversy follows a police operation on June 12, 2026, during which officers of the Oyo State Police Command raided a residence in the Gbeku area of Olodo, Ibadan, arresting five suspected armed robbers and recovering firearms, ammunition, and alleged criminal charms.
The suspects were identified as Ahmed Nafiu (43), Olukunmi Olaniyi (36), Femi Odeyinde (53), Jelili Akinade (50), and Muhideen Adio (27).
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Reports later surfaced on social media linking Ilupeju to Hamzat, a claim the broadcaster strongly rejected.
While noting that such allegations were unverified, Hamzat argued that personal or social contact with individuals does not imply involvement in their alleged criminal actions.
“The attempt to suggest that I bear responsibility for the personal actions or alleged criminal conduct of any individual simply because such a person may have had an association with me is both illogical and dishonest.
“Employment, acquaintance, or social interaction with a person does not confer knowledge of, or complicity in, every aspect of that person’s private life,” he stated.
He urged the public to allow security agencies to conduct proper investigations without political interference or character attacks.
Hamzat also expressed readiness to cooperate with law enforcement authorities if the need arises, reaffirming his long-standing relationship with security agencies.
“I have always maintained a cordial and cooperative relationship with security agencies. Should the police require any lawful assistance from me regarding any investigation, I will not hesitate to cooperate fully, as I have done on numerous occasions in the interest of public safety and justice,” he said.
He further alleged that the claims were part of a coordinated effort to discredit him politically, insisting that he remains focused on his governorship ambition.
“Their intention is obvious: to score cheap political points by creating a false narrative around my person and my aspiration to serve the good people of Oyo State,” he said.
Hamzat called on residents of Oyo State to disregard the allegations, adding that he remains committed to transparency, service, and development.
The development comes amid rising political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections in the state.