Re: What a mess: Is Olajengbesi a lawyer or liar? — by Ismail Omipidan

For some time now, I have deliberately refrained from exposing the person and character of Pelumi Olajengbesi, the official spokesman of the Imole Campaign Council in the August 15 Osun Governorship election, because I was never directly involved in the lies and half-truths he has been propagating in the media space. Even now, before I go full throttle on his claim that an interview with Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) was conducted but could not be aired because the APC candidate allegedly had a “disappointing outing,” I am still giving him an opportunity to redeem himself.

Before anyone asks why I have chosen to intervene, let me provide some context.

First, as a political communication specialist, I have a responsibility to ensure that only accurate information is presented to the public, particularly by someone who is a legal practitioner and is expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty, professionalism and integrity.

Second, as a guest analyst on TVC, I was directly involved in the process regarding the planning of the interview and can state categorically that what Mr. Olajengbesi said is an outright falsehood. His claim is a fabrication designed to create doubt, mislead the public and malign the reputation of AMBO. Such conduct is unbecoming of anyone, especially a lawyer who ought to be committed to truth and ethical practice. Partisanship should never remove a lawyer’s professional responsibility to be candid at all times and to refrain from peddling falsehoods and rumours like a charlatan.

For the avoidance of doubt, the scheduled interview did not hold due to unforeseen circumstances. No interview was recorded, reviewed, or withheld on account of his performance. The claim that the interview took place and was suppressed due to a poor showing is therefore false and misleading. Indeed, AMBO has granted interviews and interacted with journalists and media professionals in Osun and beyond on different occasions, including as the candidate of the APC. Even during his tenure as the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), he participated in several live television interviews.

Given the above, I challenge Mr. Olajengbesi to produce credible evidence to substantiate his allegations or publicly retract them and issue a written apology for maligning the reputation of AMBO. Should he fail to do either, I will, amongst other lawful steps, personally take up this matter with the appropriate regulatory authority for lawyers over what I consider a deliberate act of misinformation and professional misconduct.

Finally, to the TVC crew, especially Femi Akande and the producer of Politics on Sunday, I believe this episode provides valuable insight into the character of the Imole Campaign Council’s spokesperson.