Oriyomi Hamzat slams oversea-based caller’s criticism as political sabotage

By Adejayan Gbenga –

Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and founder of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, has described the remarks made by an oversea-based caller during a live programme as a calculated attack.

Hamzat, speaking in a statement titled “Oriyomi Hamzat and the Caller’s Rant: A Battle Between Vision and Viciousness” on Monday, said the remarks were not sincere political advice.

It would be recalled that the caller had counselled Hamzat not to rely on public opinion translating into electoral victory, warning that he should not be deceived by public goodwill.

But in his response, Oriyomi angrily countered the caller, boasting that if he decided to run, he would win the election.

Also in a statement on Monday, Hamzat, while rubbishing the comments, said: “Let’s be clear: what we witnessed wasn’t a sincere critique meant to guide or offer alternative perspectives; it was a deliberate attempt to belittle, discourage, and delegitimize a man whose influence and popularity have been built not on godfathers or political patronage, but on years of fearless journalism, public advocacy, and people-centered philanthropy.”

“To tell a man who has consistently spoken truth to power, who has risked personal freedom to fight for the vulnerable, and who has spent his resources in philanthropic causes from education to healthcare, that he is unworthy of leadership is the height of insincerity and deliberate mischief.”

“…and let’s not forget: a microphone can make noise, but it cannot manufacture impact. The love I command in communities across Oyo State is not bought with airtime; it is earned through years of showing up, speaking up, and standing firm.”

Hamzat, while criticising those who predict political outcomes based on past voting patterns, emphasised that he has not yet declared for any office, but if he does, he deserves the same respect any citizen seeking to serve should receive.