Nigerians on the microblogging site, Twitter, are abuzz about the Nigerian energy business magnate, Kola Aluko, and no, it is not because it is World Kola Aluko Day.
Pls is today ‘World Kola Aluko Day’ ni? Abi did I miss something?
— tolu ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) June 22, 2020
Twitter page @diaryofa9jagirl, known for sharing emotional and passionate accounts of female stories on social media, as well as speaking powerfully on women issues surprisingly shared a post that had nothing to do with Nigerian women but glowing praise for Nigerian Businessman, Kola Aluko. The tribute sparked conversations amongst Twitter users with many expressing clear reservations on the matter.
Trending Matter;
This post started the whole Kola Aluko conversation. If you don’t know him, you should google the name.
That name is not too far from fraud allegations at all. pic.twitter.com/KFbcjsCZLy
— Naija (@Naija_PR) June 22, 2020
The Twitter post dedicated to Kola Aluko praised him as a self-made and ambitious billionaire. The tweet went on to communicate his area of expertise and passion, lauding him as one of Forbes highly ranked billionaires in Africa.
The businessman who is stated to have worked together with the former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke is currently being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) on account of a multibillion-dollar fraud and money laundering offence in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. In 2019, the Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the forfeiture of three landed properties belonging to him, all estimated to be worth $73million.
Many Nigerians raised their eyebrows at this tribute tweet by @diaryofa9jagirl because of the allegations of fraudulent activities that have since trailed him., as some accused the handle of being paid to praise Aluko and labelled it dishonest and deceitful that they would attempt to put him on a honourable pedestal.
But Kola Aluko is a Thief that stole our commonwealth together with Diezeani
— Olusola Abiodun (@OlusolaAbiodu17) June 22, 2020
Do people pause for a moment to think and conclude no amount is worth my integrity? You’re paid to wash Kola Aluko and you took it? The same Kola Aluko?
— Tunde Aluko (MFR) (@tundealuko) June 22, 2020
How can they pay you to wash Kola Aluko and you collect the money? ?
— Sigh! (@_Thalia_M) June 22, 2020
Some took time to call out Forbes Magazine for consistently publishing unverified information and giving fraudulent individuals a platform. They recalled the instance of Obinwanne Okeke popularly known as Invictus Obi, who was covered as one of Africa’s biggest entrepreneurs by the Magazine but was later found to be guilty of criminal fraud charges.
It's shocking what Forbes does.
They won't learn.
Kola Aluko? Tsk tsk!
— Nedu Ekeke #BBOG (@Nedunaija) June 22, 2020
The tribute tweet by @diaryofa9jagirl has since been taken down by the main account handler, Ife. In a subsequent tweet, Ife asserted that the previous tweet about Kola Aluko was not approved by her and was posted by a recently hired staff. She took full responsibility for the error.
The previous tweet about Kola Aluko was not “approved” by me as we have just recently hired a staff.
I take full responsibility for slacking.
— Ìfẹ́ (@diaryofa9jagirl) June 22, 2020
Toluwanimi Onakoya is a spirited writer, creative and videographer. Her biggest drive is to connect with people and depict tales using various forms of media.
Toluwanimi is available on Instagram and Twitter @nimi_onaks
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