Association vows to prosecute faction leaders

[Mirror]

Herbal medical practitioners in Ekiti State have insisted that intimidation and threats will not discourage them from the legal action against factional leaders of the association.

The herbalists, under the aegis of National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners, NANTMP, Ekiti chapter, said they were under pressure to withdraw the suit against "the interlopers".

The chapter chairman, Chief Jacob Osamika, however, warned that the association will not hesitate to file contempt charges against anyone interfering in the suit against the Dauda Lawal-led faction.

Osamika said the factionalisation of the association was evil and unconstitutional, as his executive was validly elected at the May 2012 election in Osogbo, Osun State capital.

He maintained that the courts remained the most acceptable place to settle disputes, saying the case before Magistrate Richard Adegboye, would be pursued to a logical conclusion.

It would be recalled that Lawal and five others, Chiefs Adesua Agbeje, Ojo Baleko, Oladunjoye Omoniyi, Tunji Ige, are being tried for parading themselves as executive members of the group.

Osamika, alleged that some Ado Ekiti chiefs have called on him to withdraw the suit or be punished.

The chairman, said he expected the chiefs to warn Lawal and his group rather than resorting to intimidation of an elected executive.

"Our association will be having its third traditional medicine day on October 4, 2013. And we learnt that these people being tried in court are planning to disrupt it, because they have the backing of some influential persons. Whoever, has the intention of obstructing the case against these people will meet a stiff opposition. We will pursue the case to a logical conclusion. So, those interfering should desist or face the dire consequences of their action".

National Mirror