Ibadan-Based Journalist Faces Death Threats Following Radio Show, Press Freedom Group Raises Alarm
The International Press Centre’s Safety and Protection of Journalists (IPC-SPJ) hub has expressed deep concern over threats to the life of Ibadan-based journalist Tayo Oyeladun of Lagelu FM. The journalist, who recently hosted a program titled Bosenlo, has reportedly been receiving death threats following grievances raised by an official over a guest’s comments on the show.
Oyeladun made the alarming revelation through a public plea on his Facebook page, stating that unknown individuals had been making threatening calls to him since the program aired. He linked these threats to the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) of the Soun of Ogbomoso, who had contacted one of Oyeladun’s senior colleagues to express displeasure over the broadcast.
“The past few days have been hard for me and my family. I am facing death threats for doing my job as a broadcast journalist,” Oyeladun wrote. “I believe in balanced opinions and free speech in a democratic setting. But I live in a society where the system favors the elite and those in power. There is pressure from high places to get me sacked. If I lose my job or life, will they take care of my children and family?”
IPC-SPJ has strongly condemned the threats and is calling on the Nigerian government, security agencies, and the Oyo State Commissioner of Police to ensure Oyeladun’s safety. The organization also urged those aggrieved by the program to seek legal redress rather than resorting to intimidation or violence.
In a related development, IPC-SPJ has also denounced the recent invasion and forceful closure of Joy FM 96.5 in Otukpo, Benue State, by government officials and heavily armed policemen. Reports indicate that staff members were assaulted, and a journalist was forced at gunpoint to halt the 1 pm network news bulletin. The shutdown was allegedly led by officials from the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
“This is an outright abuse of power and a direct attack on press freedom and democracy,” IPC-SPJ stated. “We call for a thorough investigation into the incident and demand accountability for those responsible.”
The press freedom group is urging human rights organizations, media advocacy groups, and the general public to rally behind these journalists and resist all attempts to silence free speech through intimidation and force.
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