The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, has strongly condemned the assault on the union’s secretary and Ogun State Television reporter, Bunmi Adigun, by security officers attached to the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke. Adigun was attacked while covering the 66th birthday celebration of the Abepa of Joga-Orile, Oba Adeyemi Adekeye, where Governor Adeleke was being conferred with a chieftaincy title on Friday.

Recounting his experience, Adigun stated, “Though the governor was amiable, his security details were unruly. They began misbehaving immediately after the governor arrived, pushing and harassing every journalist present, including those accompanying other special guests from Osun State. They pushed my cameraman and other cameramen. When they reached where we were standing, I was harassed, embarrassed, and they nearly tore my clothes.”

In a statement signed by State Chairman Wale Olanrewaju and made available to journalists on Saturday, the NUJ described the attack as unwarranted and an affront to press freedom. The statement read, “This reckless and reprehensible behavior towards a member of the press, who was simply carrying out his professional duties, is utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in a democratic society. Any form of assault on a journalist is an affront to the fundamental principles of press freedom and the right of citizens to access accurate and unbiased information.

“The press must remain free, unshackled, and empowered to fulfill its vital role in society. It is deeply concerning that individuals entrusted with the responsibility of upholding law and order would resort to using excessive force and intimidation against journalists. Such actions not only undermine the integrity of the media but also erode the trust between the government and the people it serves.

“We urge Governor Adeleke to take swift and decisive action to hold the perpetrators of this attack accountable and to ensure that measures are put in place to safeguard the rights and safety of journalists. Attacks on the press will not be tolerated in any form, and those responsible shall face the full force of the law.

“As a unified body, we stand in solidarity with our colleague and strongly demand an immediate public apology to our colleague and a commitment from the Governor of Osun State to uphold the rights and safety of journalists. Any failure to address this matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants will be viewed as a disregard for the rule of law and an assault on press freedom.”