During the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries in Ondo State held at Ward 9, Eji-Oba High School, Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Council, an unfortunate incident occurred involving the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, and a senior journalist from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Tayo Ikujuni.
Eyewitnesses reported that the altercation began around 11:45 a.m. when Ikujuni approached Yusuf-Ogunleye to inquire about the arrival of election materials and observed that voting had already commenced. In response, the commissioner allegedly became agitated, verbally abusing Ikujuni and demanding he leave the premises. This escalated when Yusuf-Ogunleye reportedly assaulted the journalist, seized his phone, and instructed his political associates to confiscate his other devices.
Fortunately, the situation was contained by the intervention of bystanders and security personnel, preventing further physical harm to the journalist.
Yusuf-Ogunleye, when approached for comment, denied the allegations but expressed remorse over the incident.
In response to the assault, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, issued a statement strongly condemning the attack on Ikujuni. The NUJ described the commissioner's actions as "barbaric and unacceptable" and called for immediate action to address the matter. The state chairman of the union, Leke Adegbite, urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to suspend Yusuf-Ogunleye pending an investigation into the incident.
The incident underscores the importance of respecting press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists as they carry out their duties. It also highlights the need for accountability and swift action against those who infringe upon these fundamental principles.
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