An Ibadan-based broadcaster, Tayo Oyeladun, has raised concerns over alleged threats to his life following a recent radio programme.
Oyeladun, who works with Lagelu FM Ibadan, shared his distress in a Facebook post on Thursday, revealing that the threats began shortly after he hosted a programme on Saturday.
According to him, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Soun of Ogbomoso, Reverend Peter Olaleye, had contacted one of his senior colleagues to express displeasure over comments made by a guest on the show. Since then, Oyeladun claims he has been receiving threatening messages from individuals linked to Ogbomoso.
“The past few days have been tough for me and my family. I am facing death threats simply for doing my job as a broadcast journalist. I believe in balanced opinions and free speech in a democracy. Unfortunately, the system favors the elite and those in power.
“I have become a soft target in their political games. There is pressure from high places to have me sacked. If I lose my job or life, will they take care of my children and family? My only offense is being a child of nobody. Friends and family, please pray for my safety. You will hear from me at the right time,” he wrote.
Speaking with Daily Post on Thursday, Oyeladun revealed that the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso had petitioned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over the matter.
“After my last Saturday programme, Bosenlo, the CPS to the Soun of Ogbomoso reached out to one of my senior colleagues to express his grievances over a guest’s comments. Since then, I have been receiving strange and threatening calls.
“The Soun’s palace has petitioned the NBC, but beyond that, people from Ogbomoso continue to threaten me with all sorts of evil things. I cried out because I do not want to die young. Surprisingly, the palace has not directed this energy at the guest but at me instead, making me the soft target,” he lamented.
However, Reverend Peter Olaleye, the CPS to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, denied making any threats against Oyeladun.
Speaking to Daily Post on Thursday night, Olaleye stated that while the people of Ogbomoso were angered by the comments made on the programme, he personally did not issue any threats.
“I did not use any threatening words. I only told them that what they did was not good. I decided not to call him. He promised to send me a reaction, but to claim that I threatened him is a lie. However, the people are angry. They did it deliberately. I challenge him to provide evidence of any threats from me,” he said.
