Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oluwole Oke, has vehemently dismissed claims suggesting his recent meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, indicates support for Israel over Palestine.
In a statement issued on Saturday through his Senior Legislative Aide, Tunji Iyanda, Oke clarified that his position on the Israel-Palestine conflict remains steadfast and aligned with Nigeria’s long-standing policy supporting a two-state solution. The lawmaker firmly rejected the allegations circulating on social media and in various reports, calling them deliberate attempts to misrepresent his official duties.
“Nigeria’s position on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict has always been clear—support for a two-state solution, respect for international law, and advocacy for Palestinian self-determination. I fully align with this stance,” Oke stated.
The lawmaker, who represents Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State, explained that his meeting with Ambassador Freeman, held in April 2025, was an official engagement facilitated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly’s protocol channels. It was not a private or personal meeting, as some reports have claimed.
“The request for the Ambassador’s visit was officially transmitted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and processed via the National Assembly’s protocol channels. It was not a private or personal engagement,” Oke explained.
He stressed that such meetings are part of Nigeria’s parliamentary diplomacy, which allows legislators to engage with foreign envoys on issues of mutual interest. Oke also pointed out that several other diplomatic courtesy visits had been received by his office, including those from the United Kingdom, North Korea, and South Korea.
“These meetings are routine across legislatures globally. They are neither political endorsements nor personal engagements,” he added.
Responding to the growing controversy, Oke expressed concern over the deliberate distortion of his actions, describing the narrative surrounding his meeting with the Israeli envoy as a “malicious and misleading” attempt to tarnish his reputation and misrepresent his stance on the issue.
“The materials in circulation are part of a deliberate smear campaign designed to misrepresent my official engagements and falsely portray me as acting contrary to Nigeria’s national interest. Nothing could be farther from the truth,” he remarked.
He further emphasized that Nigeria’s foreign policy remains the exclusive responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Executive Arm of Government, and not individual legislators or parliamentary committees.
Oke reiterated his readiness to meet with the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria “at the shortest notice,” reaffirming his commitment to balanced and principled foreign relations.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s stance, Oke reminded the public that Nigeria, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reiterated its support for a two-state solution during the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2025. The country continues to advocate for peace and dignity in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“I remain a committed patriot, a loyal legislator, and a firm believer in Nigeria’s leadership role in global diplomacy,” Oke concluded, urging the public to disregard any attempts to politicize his official duties and undermine Nigeria’s diplomatic objectives.
