‘No king in Ogbomoso’ interview: Oyo Assembly moves against Lagelu FM, others
Khalid ABRAHAM
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The Oyo State House of Assembly (OYHA) has taken a harsh step against Lagelu FM, Ibadan, the presenter of the programme, ‘Bosenlo,” Tayo Oyeladun and the guest, Dr Doyin Odebowale, who claimed during an interview that “Ogbomoso is a town whose traditional head is not a king but a high chief subservient to the Alaafin (of Oyo).”
Dr Odebowale, a former aide of late governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu, adding salt to injury, said if he ever had cause to come to the presence of the Soun of Ogbomoso, he would not be found prostrating but offering his hand for a handshake.
Odebowale, who faced a fierce campaign for his removal during his tenure as special assistant to Governor Akeredolu on special duties and strategies over his alleged demonstrated hate against the women folk, made several other claims in the interview considered unbecoming and sacrilegious, therefore igniting various backlashes including legal action by the Soun ruling houses and petitions against the dramatis personae to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and to the Nigeria Police by the Office of the Coordinating Assistant on Media and Community Relations to the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye.
But in a further escalatory turn of events, the OYHA in its plenary Tuesday, discussed the matter with far-reaching resolutions made, sequel to a motion initiated by the Majority Leader Hon Sanjo Adedoyin, who is representing Ogbomoso South State Constituency.
The motion, co-sponsored by Hon. J.A Ogundele, Hon. Mrs. O.M. Michael, and Hon. A.A. Ogundare, and titled, “Need for government and concerned stakeholders to take proactive and decisive steps against Dr. Doyin Odebowale over his derogatory statement on the exalted stool of the Soun of Ogbomoso and sanction Lagelu FM for non-compliance with broadcasting ethics and code,” notes that the role of the traditional institution in the society is enormous, saying this should preclude it from such scurrilous defamation, and further asserting that the Soun as the paramount ruler of Ogbomoso deserves utmost respect and that in view of the town’s significant and heroic contributions to the evolution of Yorubaland, and the elevation of its monarchy to the status of a king in 1976, ought not to be the butt of such derogatory remarks which undermine its position and traditional institution generally.
“His (Odebowale) comments were factually incorrect and disrespectful to the institution of the Soun and the Olubadan, both of whom were accorded paramount status under state law,” Adedoyin added.
Continuing he stated, “Further Aware that Dr. Doyin Odebowale demonstrated blatant disrespect by stating that if he met Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, he would merely offer a handshake, an act considered highly inappropriate and insulting to the traditional institution. His statement not only undermines the authority of the Soun but also disrespects the authority of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, whose administration lawfully confirmed the appointment of Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye in accordance with Section 7 of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, 1967 (as Amended).”
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He emphasized that Lagelu FM station’s management blatantly violated the relevant laws and NBC code for its failure to discontinue the broadcast, while citing relevant sectiions of the NBC code.
“Section 3.0.2.1 – Prohibits broadcasts that ‘encourage or incite crime, lead to public disorder or hate, be repugnant to public feelings, or contain offensive references to any person or organization, alive or dead.”
“Section 3.3 – Mandates broadcasters to be “sensitive to the feelings of their audience and to discontinue any program that undermines the unity or corporate existence of Nigeria.”
“Section 3.13.3.3 – Holds broadcasters accountable for any breach of the Broadcasting Code, regardless of the content source.
“Further Observes that Lagelu FM also violated provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, Cap N11, LFN 2004, particularly:
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“Section 2(1)(h) – Which empowers the NBC to ensure fair and balanced reporting while protecting national interest, unity, and cultural heritage.
“Section 3(1)(a)(b) – Which mandates broadcasters to ensure their platforms promote peaceful coexistence and respect for lawful authorities.”
The lawmaker now underlines, “Recognizes that the integrity of traditional institutions is integral to community identity, stability, and governance in Oyo State. Any attempt to undermine their authority should be met with decisive action to prevent the erosion of cultural values and public trust in governance structures.’
With intent on preserving the integrity and sanctity of the traditional institution, the House under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, the Speaker, consequently directed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to forthwith institute legal action against Dr. Doyin Odebowale “for making defamatory and inciting remarks against the Soun of Ogbomoso, an act that constitutes a public assault on a recognized traditional institution under Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”
The House equally calls for sanctions against Lagelu FM, and the presenter of the programme, “Bosenlo,” Tayo Oyeladun. “The Ministry of Information and Orientation should take disciplinary action against Lagelu FM and Temitayo Oyeladun Aboo Oro for failing to uphold professional broadcasting ethics, in line with the NBC Act, Cap N11, LFN 2004.”
“The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) should invoke relevant sanctions, including monetary fines, suspension, or license review in accordance with the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, specifically:
“Section 14.0.1 – Which penalizes broadcasters for airing content that incites public disorder or cultural insensitivity.
“Section 15.4.1 – Which allows NBC to impose sanctions ranging from warnings, fines, suspension of broadcast licenses, or total shutdown of operations for repeated breaches.
“Lagelu FM should be compelled to issue a public apology on all its platforms within 48 hours, retracting the misleading and offensive statements aired on its program.
“The house further direct committees on information and local government to invite the management of Lagelu FM to appear and explain why they allowed such an offensive, derogatory, insulting and embarrassing program without restraint in their station, Lagelu FM.”
