JAC petitions Ondo Governor over NUJ meddling in state-owned newspaper

A media advocacy group, Journalists Against Corruption (JAC), has petitioned the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urging his intervention in a dispute involving the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ondo State Council and the management of Owena Press Limited, publishers of The Hope newspaper.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its Programmes Coordinator, Kehinde Osifisan, JAC criticized what it described as “interloping meddlesomeness” by the NUJ in the internal affairs of the state-owned media house. The group also decried alleged ethnic discrimination against Mr. Segun Olatunji, who was recently appointed Daily Editor of The Hope.
The controversy stems from a reorganization at Owena Press Limited, which included the appointment of Olatunji as Daily Editor. While management lauded his performance, NUJ Ondo State Council opposed the move, alleging he was unqualified.
The union also reportedly threatened to picket the company on Monday, January 20, forcing management to halt the reorganization.
According to JAC, the opposition’s real motive is based on ethnic bias, as Olatunji hails from Ogun State, not Ondo. The group condemned the NUJ’s actions as discriminatory and regressive, arguing that competence, not state of origin, should guide appointments.
JAC’s petition, addressed to Governor Aiyedatiwa, outlined the achievements of the new management at Owena Press Limited under Chairman/Editor-in-Chief Kayode Fasua. It noted that Fasua’s reforms had revitalized the media house and expanded its audience base.
The petition revealed that during a meeting with NUJ representatives on January 18, Fasua was allegedly coerced into suspending the reorganization after threats and name-dropping of senior government officials.
JAC further criticized the union’s actions, urging the governor to ensure fair treatment of Olatunji and protect the company from further disruptions.
The petition highlighted previous instances of Nigerians holding key positions outside their states of origin, citing examples such as Muyiwa Adekeye from Kwara State, who served in Kaduna, and Kayode Akinmade from Ondo, currently an adviser in Ogun State. JAC expressed disappointment that such divisive sentiments were emerging in a state renowned for its progressive leaders.
“It is against the laws of the land for a Nigerian to be discriminated against based on state of origin,” JAC stated.
The group urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to resolve the issue swiftly, emphasizing that the NUJ representatives’ actions do not reflect the values of the Sunshine State.
JAC copied the petition to key stakeholders, including the NUJ President, the International Press Institute (IPI), the Media Rights Agenda, and the International Press Centre (IPC). The group called for decisive action to prevent further setbacks for The Hope and uphold journalistic integrity in Ondo State.
“May the Sunshine State never be dimmed by ethnicity under your performing administration,” the petition concluded.