…..group seeks state, federal recognition for journalist’s role during 2007 governorship election dispute.
A concerned APC youth group has called on the Osun State and Federal Governments to recognise veteran journalist Mogaji Kola Olabisi for his contribution to political journalism during the prolonged legal dispute over the 2007 Osun State governorship election.
The group urged relevant authorities to consider Olabisi for a national honour and other appropriate forms of recognition, including possible welfare support or compensation, citing his work as the pioneer editor of Osun Defender and the personal risks he reportedly faced during the political struggle.
In a statement signed by the group, it said Olabisi played a prominent role in publicising the campaign of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and sustaining public attention during the legal contest that followed the 2007 election.
Olabisi, a native of Modakeke in Osun State, was associated with Osun Defender from its establishment and helped shape the newspaper’s coverage of the political movement supporting Aregbesola.
A 2020 report by CityMirrorNews described him as the newspaper’s pioneer editor and managing editor, noting that he led its operations for more than 11 years.
The 2007 governorship election was initially won by the incumbent, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, but Aregbesola challenged the result.
On November 26, 2010, the Court of Appeal nullified Oyinlola’s election and declared Aregbesola the winner. Aregbesola was sworn in as governor the following day.
The group said Olabisi’s role during the period extended beyond routine political reporting, alleging that he faced serious personal danger while carrying out his work.
A report published by CityMirrorNews in June 2020 stated that Olabisi was shot at near the Aregbesola campaign office in Osogbo on April 7, 2007, but survived the incident. The report also said the vehicle in which he was travelling was riddled with bullets.
According to the group, Olabisi’s contribution and reported experience warrant renewed attention from political leaders and public institutions, particularly because recognition of public service should not be limited to those who eventually occupy political offices.
It argued that the end of the Aregbesola administration should not prevent a fresh review of the contributions of individuals who supported the political movement during its difficult years.
The group also appealed to former Osun governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, as well as other political leaders familiar with the period, to help bring Olabisi’s case to the attention of the appropriate authorities.
It said recognition could take the form of a public honour, institutional acknowledgement or other appropriate support, subject to an assessment of his contributions and the applicable procedures.
The appeal further highlights the wider question of how journalists who face risks while covering politically contentious events are acknowledged for their work and contributions to public discourse.
The group called on the Osun State Government, the Federal Government, professional journalism bodies and other stakeholders to review Olabisi’s record and consider suitable ways to recognise his service.
It maintained that documenting and acknowledging the contributions of journalists involved in significant moments of the country’s political history would help preserve that history and recognise the personal risks some professionals face in the course of their work.
