The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, Arusa I, has charged journalists in Oyo State to uphold the core ethics of their profession by avoiding bias and partisanship in the discharge of their duties.
The royal advice was given when the newly inaugurated executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, paid a courtesy visit to the monarch at his palace in Ibadan on Monday.
Leading the delegation, the Oyo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Akeem Abas, explained that the visit was to formally present the new leadership of the union to the Olubadan and to seek his royal blessings. Other members of the delegation included the Vice Chairman, Comrade Abiodun Atilola; Secretary, Comrade Temidayo Adu; Treasurer, Comrade Moses Morenikeji; Ex-Officio, Comrade Imran Khalid; and National Trustee, Comrade Seye Ojo.
While addressing the monarch, Comrade Abas described Oba Ladoja as a figure of rare divine grace, noting that his journey through public service, as a former senator, former governor of Oyo State, and now Olubadan of Ibadanland, was unprecedented. He added that the monarch’s record of leadership and service remained unmatched and that his ascension to the throne had further cemented his place in the political and traditional history of the state.
The NUJ chairman also commended Oba Ladoja for his consistent support for journalists and the union in Oyo State, describing him as a reliable ally of the media in the Pacesetter State. He appealed to the monarch to continue to offer guidance, wisdom and support to the union, stressing that such backing would enhance journalists’ welfare and strengthen professional practice in the state.
In his response, Oba Ladoja congratulated the newly elected executives on their emergence and urged them to remain steadfast in upholding the ethics of journalism. He specifically cautioned journalists against bias and partisanship, encouraging them to embrace fairness, balance and objectivity in their reporting for the overall development of society.
