Between Tradition, Truth, and Power: Journalism Under Pressure as Awujale’s Stool Narratives Intensify
In the quiet corners of Ijebu Ode and Ijebu land and within the louder spaces of public discussion, conversations are gradually shifting. Names are being mentioned in hushed tones and in bold declarations. Supporters are mobilising, alliances are forming, and influence is quietly negotiating its place as narratives surrounding the Awujale’s Stool Hopeful Aspirant's continue to emerge.
Yet, amid all the positioning, lobbying, and rising expectations, one institution stands at the centre of an uncomfortable test — the Nigerian or should I just be more specific by mentioning Ijebu Media Stakeholders viz Journalist.
For Journalists, this moment is not just about Royalty and Tradition concerning said community referred to Ijebu Nation; it is a defining test of professional integrity, public trust, and ethical stance especially with the emergence of NUJ Union Chapel in Ogun East Constituency of Ogun State in recent time.
Where Tradition Meets Modern Media Scrutiny:The Awujale’s throne is not just a symbol of Royalty; it is a sacred Institution deeply rooted in history, culture, and identity. As hopefuls begin to surface and their supporters push narratives into the public space, Journalists are increasingly caught between cultural sensitivity and modern demands for transparency.
Lobbyists speak with passion. Each side presents its preferred aspirant as the most worthy. Some narratives are emotional, others strategic, while some are driven purely by traditional plus even political calculation. At this point, the Journalist must decide wether to echo public sentiment or interrogate public claims?
Here lies the first test of stance — objectivity. Objectivity in the Midst of Loyalty and Pressure: In a society where relationships matter and loyalty runs deep, neutrality becomes difficult. Some lobbyists are family friends. Others are political benefactors. Some are Community Leaders whose voices carry weight. Yet, the Journalist must rise above all affiliations.
Objectivity demands that the "Reporter" is neither a praise singer nor an aspirant's tool. Facts must remain separate from favours. Friendship must never replace professional distance. Once personal interests interfere with public reporting, Journalism loses its meaning.
Rumours, Whispers, and the Burden of Verification: As succession discussions grow, rumours travel faster than confirmations. Unverified claims of endorsements circulate on social media. Meetings are exaggerated. Private discussions are turned into public “decisions” without evidence. Even sensitive personal details are sometimes thrown into the public space without restraint.
This is where the Journalist’s commitment to accuracy and verification is tested. A single unverified report can: Trigger unnecessary community tension. Damage reputations beyond repair. Polarise public opinion. And weaken trust in the media.
In moments like this, speed must give way to truth.
Fairness: Hearing Every Legitimate Voice: In the Awujale’s Stool discourse, multiple stakeholders exist — Ruling Houses and Oloriebi, Traditional Kingmakers, Community Elders, Political observers, Youth groups, and concerned citizens. A true Journalist ensures that no single narrative dominates unfairly.
Fairness is not endorsement. It is balanced representation. Allegations must meet responses. Projections must meet verification. Silence must never be interpreted as guilt.
Journalism is not a courtroom for media trials. It is a platform for public understanding.
Independence in the Era of Inducement. Perhaps the most dangerous battle is the one the Journalist fights quietly — the battle against compromise.
During sensitive transitions like this, inducements come in different forms: Brown envelopes. Political promises. Future appointments. Soft threats. Silent blacklisting
Once a Journalist accepts compromise, the story no longer belongs to the people — it belongs to the sponsor. Editorial independence dies the moment financial loyalty replaces public loyalty. It's quite dicey especially considering the season the society is presently at economically.
Courage: Reporting Beyond Fear: Not all truths are comfortable. Some shake powerful tables. Some expose silent arrangements. Some disrupt carefully nurtured ambitions. During transitions of tradition and power, journalists are subtly advised to “soften” reports or maintain “strategic silence.”
But history does not remember silent journalists. It remembers those who stood firm when pressure was loud.
Courage in Journalism is not recklessness. It is responsible boldness — speaking truth with facts, not with hate; with evidence, not with speculation.
Responsibility: Protecting Peace While Reporting Truth: While transparency is key, sensitivity is equally crucial. Royal institutions command cultural respect. Journalists must avoid: Inflammatory headlines. Ethnic incitement. Character assassination. Sensationalism.
The goal is not to destroy tradition, but to inform society responsibly. Journalism must enlighten, not ignite.
Conclusion: The True Stance That Must Never Change: The unfolding narratives around the Awujale’s Stool hopefuls remind society that journalism does not operate in isolation. It operates among human ambition, power struggles, cultural values, fear, hope, and expectation.
Yet, above all these forces stands one unchanging duty — loyalty to truth and the public.
The true stance of a Journalist is: Not neutrality in the face of injustice. Not silence in the face of pressure. Not compromise in the presence of power. It is unwavering commitment to truth, fairness, independence, courage, and responsibility.
In every transition — political or traditional — society looks to the Media not for comfort, but for clarity. And as the Awujale’s Stool narratives continue to unfold, history will not only judge the aspirants — it will also judge the Journalists who told the story.
By Femi Mebude
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Igboro Lawa , Ijebu Today HUB , Ijebu Today News HUB Magazine and Today Radio-TV Online | DebuMe Delight Media Organisation
