HARBEL, MARGIBI COUNTY – June 26, 2026 : Facebook post referring to a Margibi lawmaker as “gay” has landed one man in legal trouble after the Robert International Airport Magisterial Court ordered a public retraction, a live apology, and a financial penalty.
Robert Francis Okai has been directed to publicly apologize to Representative Ivar Kokulo Jones for a defamatory social media post made against the Margibi District #2 lawmaker. The directive was issued on Friday, June 19, 2026, by presiding Judge Klade V. Wilson, after Okai openly admitted to the offense during a pretrial conference prayed for by his defense counsel, Abraham Godsent Wheon II.
Under the court’s directive, Okai was given a one-week ultimatum to: Conduct a live Facebook podcast on his page, Appear on Peace FM and Stone FM in Harbel for two days each, Retract his statement made against Representative Ivar K. Jones, Apologize openly, Deposit fifty United States dollars into the Judiciary account as a fine; Present the payment slip at the court on Friday, June 26, 2026
Judge Wilson cautioned Okai to adhere strictly to the directive, warning that failure to comply would result in three months’ imprisonment.
At the conclusion of the pronouncement, Okai apologized to Representative Jones in the presence of his lawyer and others in the courtroom, pleading with the District #2 lawmaker to have mercy on him and promising that such an act would not be repeated.
Speaking to journalists on the court compound, Representative Jones expressed appreciation for the court’s dispensation of justice. He clarified that his legal action was not intended to trample upon Okai’s rights but to seek redress through the judicial system after his character was defamed.
“Desist from defaming the character of others as a means of preaching politics,” the Margibi District #2 lawmaker and chair of the county’s caucus advised young people in the district.
The case originated from a complaint filed by Representative Jones in May 2026 at the RIA Police Detachment, in which he alleged that Okai had referred to him as “gay” in a Facebook post. The case was later transferred to the RIA Magisterial Court in Unification City for proper investigation.
Okai was charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, and criminal coercion.
Despite criticism from some quarters, legal experts, educators, members of the religious community of District #2, and residents have welcomed the legal action taken by Representative Jones, stating that the move will serve as a deterrent to others found engaging in similar acts.
As of press time, it remained unclear whether Okai had fully adhered to all the court directives, including the radio appearances, Facebook live podcast, and payment of the fifty-dollar fine.
