A former Group Managing Director of First Bank, Dr. Bisi Onasanya has dismissed allegations circulating on social media, suggesting his involvement in a purported commercial loan facility transaction controversy carried out 12 years ago at First Bank.

In a statement released to the press over the weekend, Onasanya, who spoke through his Communication Advisor, Mr. Michael Osunnuyi, described the claims as baseless and an attempt to tarnish the stellar reputation of the renowned retired banker and Chartered accountant.

“Our attention has been drawn to allegations and charge sheet circulating on social media suggesting Dr. Bisi Onasanya’s involvement in a purported commercial loan controversy at First Bank 12 years ago,” Osunnuyi said.

“While we have consistently chosen to ignore such baseless attacks for over ten years, the growing concern expressed by family, friends, and associates from across the globe compels us to address these unfounded claims.”

The Communication Advisor said that Dr. Onasanya served First Bank with dedication and integrity throughout his illustrious career.

“His stellar reputation of integrity, built over four decades of impeccable professional service, cannot and will not be tarnished by these false allegations and incorrect charges,” the statement noted.

According to the statement, the matter in question was investigated eight years ago by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC two years after Dr. Onasanya had voluntarily and meritoriously retired from the bank as the group managing director upon the completion of two terms in office. Since then, Dr. Onasanya has not been contacted on this matter and has remained willing to support and cooperate with the law enforcement if required.

“What is baffling,” the statement continued, “is that a commercial transaction which occurred in 2013 and was thoroughly investigated eight years ago, where Dr. Onasanya established his innocence and non-involvement in the commercial transaction controversy, has now resurfaced in 2025 in the form of criminal prosecution. This is beyond his imagination.”

It also noted that, to date, Dr. Onasanya has not been served with any charges, summoned, or formerly invited by any court or investigating agency regarding these claims since the matter was investigated and dispensed eight years ago.

However, he stated categorically that Dr. Onasanya is readily available anytime in Nigeria to have his day in court whenever he is summoned to defend his reputation and clear his name.

Osunnuyi further pointed out that the allegations appear to follow a deliberate pattern every year with identical language and content being disseminated across multiple media platforms. He urged the media to exercise caution and verify information before publication, stressing the serious implications of libel.

“We have noticed a pattern of identical language and content being circulated across various media platforms, suggesting a deliberate attempt to manipulate public perception. It looks more like a hatchet job by some unscrupulous people to continue to malign and tarnish the image of Dr. Onasanya. We strongly appeal to the media to verify the information they disseminate and act responsibly,” Osunnuyi added.

“Since voluntarily leaving First Bank and the banking industry in 2015, he has endured and ignored incessant and unwarranted attacks on his person,” Osunnuyi said.

“These persistent efforts to malign his character are deeply regrettable and baseless.”

The statement also clarified that Dr. Onasanya has never expressed interest in which person or group of persons in charge of the control or ownership of First Bank or any other financial institution, for that matter. Instead, he has moved on from banking and remained committed to making a positive impact in people’s lives and other sectors of the economy.

Dr. Onasanya expressed gratitude for the support of his family, friends, and associates, whose belief in his integrity has been a source of strength. He assured them that he remains focused on upholding the values and principles that have defined his career and life over the years and he would leave no stone unturned to defend his reputation and expose the truth regardless of whose ox is gored.

“We are confident that the truth will ultimately prevail and that justice will be served. Dr. Onasanya remains committed to upholding his unblemished record and will continue to cooperate fully within the ambit of the law to clear his name,” the statement concluded.

Practically speaking, where eloquence is often mistaken for intelligence, it is very interesting to see leaders like Agboworin, who have proven that true greatness goes beyond mere rhetoric. Despite the misconception that eloquence is the ultimate measure of a leader’s worth, Agboworin’s enduring popularity among his constituents is a testament to the fact that substance triumphs over style. Get it!

Now, speaking to specifics, Agboworin’s leadership style has been marked by a deep understanding of the needs of his people, and a commitment to addressing them. His dedication to the welfare of his constituents, which is of utmost priority to him, has earned him their unending love and respect, and his popularity endures despite the criticisms of his detractors.

One of the key factors that makes Agboworin unique apart from other leaders is his ability to connect with his people on a personal level. He has a unique gift for understanding the struggles and aspirations of his constituents, and for communicating with them in a way that is both authentic and relatable. Agboworin joined politics seeing it as a platform to do more for the people and his excellent performance has continued to glowingly resonate.

Moreover, the people of Oyo State can attest to the fact that Agboworin’s representation since 2019 when he got the opportunity to serve the people, has been marked by a series of tangible achievements that have improved the lives of his constituents. Interestingly, the political watchers and critical analysts in Ibadan have recognized him as the best Honorable member in Ibadan. Whoever wishes to conduct a separate survey to ascertain the veracity of this claim will come up with the same result. I am dead sure. His unrepentant desire to give back to the people is second to none. Agboworin na Baba!

From infrastructure development to social welfare programmes, up to security infrastructure, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of his people.

In contrast to leaders who rely solely on their eloquence to win over their constituents, Agboworin’s approach is rooted in a deep sense of empathy and a willingness to listen. He understands that true leadership is not about grandstanding or making empty promises, but about rolling up one’s sleeves and getting the job done. He has said it many times to people who cared to listen that his being in Abuja is to serve his people. Reason je goes up and down ‘hustling’ to ensure he brings back home the dividends from his representation. And there is no doubt he has done extremely well in this regard.

As the saying goes, “actions speak louder than words”, the two-term lawmaker’s dedication to his people, his willingness and passion for equity, and his commitment to delivering tangible results have earned him a special place in the hearts of his constituents. Notwithstanding the criticisms from his detractors, he remains a beloved figure, and his popularity continues to endure.

Let me conclude by saying that Agboworin’s story is a powerful reminder that true leadership goes beyond eloquence but about substance, empathy, and a commitment to delivering results. I believe leaders like Agboworin will continue to inspire and motivate the younger generation, who will help to build a better world for generations to come.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association for the world’s airlines has said that Air Peace, Nigeria and West & Central Africa’s largest carrier stands at par with other world aviation giants in terms of global safety standards. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of management of Air Peace at maintaining global safety standards in the organisation.

Area Manager, West and Central Africa, IATA, Dr. Samson Fatokun made the disclosure on the side lines of the presentation of sixth consecutive International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Certification to Air Peace Limited. According to Dr. Fatokun, “The standards that are given are the same as the British Airways, KLM, Delta. They are all assessed the same way. Findings done here is the same over there as well, that makes you stand at par with other airlines in the world when it comes to safety”.

The IATA helmsman lauded Air Peace for passing through the rigorous audit process which is a clear demonstration of process managers’ exceptional expertise and dedication. “When you’re an airline in the first world, people expect you to do things and work but when you come from Africa, they expect you to do more, but when you come from Nigeria, the expectations are immense”.

He commended Air Peace for being the pride of Nigeria while noting the airline’s remarkable achievements in just a decade of its operations, insisting that it is not a mere fluke. “Air Peace’s presence on the IOSA registry is a testament to its unwavering dedication to safety, operational excellence, and professionalism. This milestone is not just a victory for the airline but a pride for Nigeria. It highlights that local carriers can operate at the highest international safety levels.”

The IATA chief whose organisation represents some 340 airlines over 80% of global traffic and support many areas of aviation activity and help formulate industry policy on critical aviation issue explained that safety is the number one priority. “The measurement of that safety is not only in not having accidents, but in the process that have been certified to working safely with processes, following standard recognized practices that have been certified by external auditors that cannot be corrupted, and are globally recognized”.

An IATA certification means your business follows airline carrier rules. Airline’s safety records largely inform people’s decision to fly a particular airline. “Some people are very careful of the aircraft they step into, and safety records inform peoples decisions”, Dr. Fatokun said. He warned that ISOA is not something one takes with levity. “It is tough, we keep on improving it, not to make it difficult but to make it adaptable and it isn’t easy”, adding that “safety is not cheap, accidents are costlier but with the right investment safety can be guaranteed”.

The sixth IOSA certification is a major achievement for Air Peace, reflecting its deep-rooted safety culture, robust management systems, and commitment to continuous improvement. It sets a new benchmark for safety in African aviation and inspires other carriers across the continent to strive for similar excellence.