Adebisi Adeola has criticised the conduct of journalist and public commentator, Lere Olayinka, during a recent television appearance, describing the reaction to his encounter with broadcaster Rufai Oseni as unnecessary and unprofessional.
Adeola, in a strongly worded statement, also condemned supporters who have been celebrating Olayinka’s conduct, arguing that loyalty should not mean defending a leader or associate even when such a person is clearly wrong.
“When you become a sycophant, you praise everything your leaders do, even when they are clearly wrong,” Adeola said.
He particularly faulted those he described as “data boys” for defending Olayinka, insisting that there was no justification for what he considered rudeness or unnecessary confrontation on national television.
According to him, Rufai’s question was harmless, adding that even if the question had been provocative, the appropriate response would have been to ignore it or politely decline to answer.
“There is absolutely no justification for rudeness or unnecessary confrontation on national television,” he said.
Adeola, however, acknowledged that Rufai can sometimes be irritating with his style of questioning, noting that the broadcaster is not his favourite interviewer. He nevertheless stressed that personal feelings should not prevent anyone from remaining calm, clear-headed and professional on national television.
He further argued that if Olayinka was unwilling to take questions from Rufai, particularly on a programme anchored by someone he considers an antagonist, he should have declined the invitation rather than appearing on the programme.
“Nobody forced him to appear on the programme,” Adeola stated.
According to Adeola, Olayinka ultimately embarrassed himself by losing his composure, stressing that being outspoken should not be confused with professionalism.
He urged Olayinka, as a journalist and public commentator, to exercise restraint and avoid what he described as unnecessary garrulousness, particularly when appearing on national television.
Adeola concluded by emphasising that genuine loyalty requires honesty and accountability, rather than unconditional defence.
“Loyalty is not the defence of everything a person does. Sometimes, genuine loyalty means telling your man the truth when he is wrong,” he said.
