ABEOKUTA – A concerned human rights group has called on relevant authorities and political leaders to recognise and compensate veteran journalist, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, for his alleged sacrifices during the legal and political struggle that culminated in the emergence of former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
The group, in a statement on the contributions of Olabisi, described the Modakeke-born journalist as a “forgotten foot soldier” whose role in the struggle deserved recognition and appreciation.
Olabisi was the pioneer editor of Osun Defender, a newspaper which played a significant role in promoting Aregbesola’s governorship ambition during the 2007 Osun State governorship election.
The election result was contested, leading to a prolonged legal battle that lasted about three and a half years before Aregbesola was eventually sworn in as governor in November 2010.
According to the group, Olabisi was among the journalists who remained at the forefront of the struggle during the period, using his newspaper to advance the cause despite the political tension and risks associated with the campaign.
The statement further alleged that the veteran journalist was once shot at close range during the struggle but survived the incident.
It lamented that, despite the risks he allegedly endured and his contributions to the political movement, Olabisi was not adequately recognised or compensated by the administration that followed Aregbesola’s eventual assumption of office.
The group expressed concern that some individuals who later secured strategic government appointments appeared to have received greater benefits than those who, according to it, made significant contributions during the struggle.
It argued that the failure of a previous administration to acknowledge Olabisi’s sacrifices should not prevent subsequent administrations and political leaders from addressing the matter.
The group also called attention to the position of former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, who served under Aregbesola’s administration and is currently the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
It said Oyetola and other influential political figures could help draw attention to the veteran journalist’s contributions and ensure that his case received appropriate consideration.
The statement stressed that Olabisi had remained committed to the cause he believed in, adding that his contributions should not be overlooked simply because the political struggle had ended.
The group therefore urged relevant authorities, political leaders and well-meaning individuals to examine Olabisi’s case and consider appropriate recognition, reward and compensation for his reported sacrifices.
“Those who fought for a cause when it was difficult should not be forgotten when the victory has been achieved,” the statement said.
It maintained that recognising the veteran journalist would demonstrate appreciation for the contributions of individuals who took personal risks in the pursuit of political causes.
