Ogun NUJ Fumes as Abiodun’s Aide Faces Sanction Over Attacks on Journalist

The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed outrage over the continued harassment and intimidation of one of its members, Comrade Olajide Osoba, allegedly orchestrated by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Azeez Adeyemi.

The Union, after an emergency meeting of its State Executive Committee, announced that Adeyemi and his associates have been declared persona non grata at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, warning that the press centre remains a safe environment for journalists, not a battleground for political thuggery.

The NUJ disclosed that Osoba, a verified member of the Union, was attacked and brutalised on May 1st, 2025, during the Workers’ Day celebration at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta. The assault was allegedly carried out by individuals linked to Adeyemi’s faction of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Rather than addressing the incident responsibly, the Union accused Adeyemi of aggravating the situation by filing false petitions with security agencies, branding Osoba as a member of a cult group, and using his position in government to instigate arbitrary police actions.

According to the NUJ, officers from the State Police Command and other security operatives have made several attempts to arrest Osoba under questionable circumstances, a situation the Union described as a clear attack on press freedom.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of NUJ Ogun State Council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, and the Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Adigun, the Union described the assault and subsequent threats as reckless, undemocratic and a deliberate attempt to silence the media.

"An attack on one journalist is an attack on the entire media profession and by extension, democracy itself. The media cannot be silenced by intimidation or abuse of political power," the NUJ leaders stated.

The Union further warned that no amount of pressure or harassment will stop its members from carrying out their professional duties across Ogun State.

While reaffirming the cordial relationship that has existed between the NUJ and the state government under Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Union called on the governor to immediately rein in his aide to prevent further damage to the administration’s image.

“We have always partnered with the Ogun State government to promote development. However, we will resist any attempt by individuals within the system to trample on the rights of journalists and suppress press freedom,” the statement added.

The Union demanded a thorough investigation into the May Day incident and called for an end to all forms of harassment against journalists in the state, stressing that the safety and dignity of media practitioners must be protected at all times.