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I read with utmost disbelief and dismay the editorial published by The Nation newspaper on the issue of a coroner’s inquest relating to the death of former Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON. It is shocking, to say the least, that a platform once respected for sound journalism and objective reportage has taken such a regressive position on a matter so straightforward that even an elementary school pupil can clearly comprehend.
It appears The Nation might have been compromised by allowing an unbalanced, poorly scripted, error-ridden, and politically orchestrated article of this nature to be published on its platform. Alternatively, it has either deliberately chosen to mislead the public or lacks competent correspondents and an editorial desk capable of accurately interpreting a simple press statement. Either scenario is unacceptable for a media organisation of its standing.
For clarity, let us revisit the press statement issued by the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State. The release, headlined “Ondo AG Confirms Receipt of Petition Seeking Coroner’s Inquest”, stated unambiguously:
“The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, has confirmed that his office has received petitions from concerned groups requesting the invocation of the Coroners Law of Ondo State in relation to the death of the former Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON. Dr. Ajulo affirmed that citizens have the right to request the invocation of the Coroners Law, which is designed to address public concerns surrounding deaths considered unnatural or controversial. He emphasised that under the law, any citizen or group who reasonably suspects foul play or has lingering questions about a person’s death has the legal right to demand a coroner’s inquest.”
The statement went further to stress:
“We have received petitions from groups both within and outside the state. Let me be clear: due process will be followed. The law is there to serve the people and ensure that truth and justice prevail. The Attorney General reiterated that there is a legal process for everything and urged citizens to allow the law to take its full course without prematurely casting aspersions on anyone.”
How does this simple, clear, and legally accurate statement translate into the Ondo State Government “planning to exhume the late governor’s corpse” as the supposed editorial mischievously suggests? Nowhere in the statement was it implied that the state government had concluded on taking up the inquest or that the administration was on a mission to politicise the unfortunate demise of the former governor.
What Dr. Ajulo did, and rightly so, was to confirm the receipt of petitions, as any responsible Attorney General is obligated to, and to reassure the public that due process, guided strictly by law, will be followed should the coroner see merit in the petitions. This is basic civics that even junior reporters should understand.
It is, therefore, appalling and indeed shameful that The Nation would allow its platform to publish a politically induced editorial so inflammatory, speculative, and capable of inciting unnecessary tension in Ondo State. This is not an editorial but a poorly delivered hatchet job. It is political sensationalism at its worst and unbecoming of a paper that ought to be a standard-bearer for responsible media practice in Nigeria.
The editorial board of The Nation must know that it carries a duty of care to the public. Allowing its platform to be used as a medium to misrepresent facts and impute political motives where none exist will only erode trust in its outfit and undermine public peace. It is highly regrettable that the editorial team ignored the clear context of the Attorney General’s statement and instead allowed a political scavenger, hiding under its banner, to weaponise it for a narrative that suits certain political interests.
As a matter of responsibility and in the interest of preserving public trust, The Nation should review the competence of the correspondents and editors who handled this story. If necessary, they should be shown the exit door for dereliction of professional duty.
Truth must remain sacred in journalism. When media platforms or correspondents abandon this for sensationalism and political expediency, they not only betray their readers but also endanger the very democracy they are meant to defend.
The late Governor Akeredolu deserves our respect in death, but that respect cannot and must not be used as a shield against lawful processes anchored on public concern. The Ondo State Government, through its Attorney General, has done nothing wrong in acknowledging petitions and reaffirming its commitment to due process.
I expect The Nation newspaper not to allow its reputation to be tarnished by cut-and-sew columnists- yes, because some of the words in the editorial have been used elsewhere by a hungry writer who does not deserve my mention. The Nation must rise above partisan impulses and ensure the standards for which it is known.
Signed: Yomisaint Adebayo
Technical Adviser to the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State.
