“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” Martin Luther King Jr.
As I was ushered into the beautiful studio of Splash 105.5 FM for my second live interview with the station on the 5th of January 2024, I held my heart in my hands as I reflected on the events that culminated into this epochal moment.
Just three years ago, in one of my lowest adult moments, I made up my mind to make a name for myself and put my writing skills to good use: amplify the voices of the voiceless and speak to power with courage and gusto. I think my numerous interventions through OYO101 can bear me witness that I have tried to live by that standard – albeit the best is yet to come.
In the months that followed, I wrote opinion articles that caught the government unaware, explained critical issues with clarity, sided with the people, and commended government policies, projects, and programs where necessary. When I started, I had no idea where that single decision would lead but here, I am, reflecting on the positive impacts some of my stories have made on people. Inside this same studio in 2022, I spoke with Mr. Michael Olatunbosun about a piece I wrote in the heat of political campaigns to shed light on how we can redefine the conversation around political campaigns. He wanted me to give an account of my thought processes and importantly discuss my motivation as a government critic, public affairs analyst, and social commentator.
The Joy of ‘Writerhood’
After the program, he walked me around the station and we ended up in his office. Interestingly, my averagely modest height coupled with my boyish look kind of gave them a jolt: how can a ‘small’ boy be this audacious in a political climate that can chew people up and spit them out without batting an eyelid? Together with his colleague, Mr. Oluwaseun Akinola, they expressed admiration and enthusiasm for my column saying it formed an integral part of their weekend intellectual digests. I think by now, I ought to have been used to people’s positive commendation of my writings. I am humbled and honored.
Two weeks ago, an avid reader of my column reached me from Texas, US through my publisher, Sikiru Akinola. Like others, he also encouraged me to keep the flag of my writing flying. In 2022 as well, I got a call from another Nigerian based in Chicago who eventually made plans for our meeting in Nigeria. In that same 2022, two public school teachers recruited by Governor Seyi Makinde walked up to me and handed over a token to me. They said it was a way of appreciating my intervention after a story I wrote about the arbitrary deduction and inconsistent salary payment by the state government forced those in authority to pay those salary arrears. Additionally, I have also met with random people on the streets who identified with me and encouraged me to continue writing relentlessly and consistently about issues that matter.
In 2021, a Senator of the Federal Republic also called to thank me for devoting precious time to advancing the collective interests of the people. Likewise, a former Deputy Governor equally commended me as well. Apart from Splash FM, I have also aired my views on Correct FM 99.5 FM in Ibadan, in addition to (free) speaking engagements on other radio stations.
Gradually and incrementally, I continue to build an impeccable visibility and audience over the past three years. Again, last year, a Special Adviser to the Governor was also on a call commending my work in fostering a plurality of opinions on issues around the state. He especially and specifically pointed to a story I wrote praising and commending the Governor for his record-breaking strides in road infrastructure in the state. “I showed the story to the guys in the office”, he cheerfully told me over the phone “and challenged them to come up with something similar in the defense of the Governor’s various projects, programs, and policies”. I have highlighted a few of the ups in this adventure. Now is the time to walk you through the downsides.
What my eyes have seen!
“They are sharing your pictures on a WhatsApp group and are raining curses on you” the voice, very familiar, told me with careful precision. He said my story has landed on the wrong foot of the people. I was scared for my life. That day, to say I feared for my life would be an understatement. It wasn’t in my nature to cause pain to anyone. My intention from the start was to carefully craft a compelling story that will make for a splash. In my mind, I was just a writer passionate about the development of his state. But here I am being told I have stepped on toes. Because of the sensitive nature of those issues and because we’ve reached a common and amicable ground, I won’t go deep into it.
People who got infuriated by my story aren’t on the payroll of the Governor or work as the Governor’s digital dingbats, bootlickers, or sycophants, they are just ordinary citizens who feel threatened by what I wrote. I must commend the diplomatic artistry of my publisher in this regard, Sikiru Akinola. In instances where I feel dead scared, he always comes up with soothing words that not only calm my fraying nerves but reignite my passion for the job.
I cannot thank him enough not for just offering me the platform but for always pushing my work to almost everyone on his impressive, intimidating, and breathtaking contact list. In addition to sharing my pictures on the internet, I have also had to endure cyberbullying, emotional blackmail, reporting my social media account for hate speech, and many others. Yesterday, when my host on Splash FM asked whether I am aware the people at the receiving end of my intellectual whips might be trailing me, I told him my safety is in God’s hands in addition to being security conscious, careful, and vigilant.
When I started, people in power assumed a known personality was hiding under my name to hit the Governor and his government. Later, the narrative morphed into partisan inclination: Muftau Gbadegesin is an APC attack boy. But when they see my stories flogging Oyo APC for being a weak opposition, they are resigned to their fate.
Still, they prefer a government with absolute freedom. Viewed from another angle, those in power today will appreciate my little efforts in addition to other people’s efforts to make things better. Besides, I am always of the opinion that telling those in power to do what is right is simply the best way to increase their popularity and credibility if they heed such a calling. No more. No less.
What’s New. What’s News. What’s Next?
I am grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. Starting from my Publisher, Sikiru Akinola who continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment and dedication to our dear state and to creating a platform that can rival the propaganda machinery of the state government eye for eye. And to my inner caucus who continued to cheer me on, and lend moral and spiritual support, three years ago, we started, today, we have come far but not relenting. And to my esteemed readers, I cannot thank you enough. indeed, you’ve been a great pillar of support over the years, let’s keep the fire of conversations around Oyo state growth and development burning. To my critics as well, don’t stop pointing to errors in my writing. Like I try to make government policies better, you make my writings also better.
A humble Plea!
Last year, I dropped my Master’s program at the University of Ibadan because of funding. It was heartbreaking. But as they say, failure is not the opposite of success, it is part of it. But amidst that flurry of intellectual heartbreak, I kept my head high and continued to write with the same fire, passion, and energy.
And to tell you, today is my birthday and I am optimistic about what lies ahead.
OYO101 is Muftau Gbadegesin’s opinion about issues affecting Oyo state and is published every Saturday. He can be reached via @muftaugbade on X, muftaugbadegesin@gmail.com and 09065176850.
Keep up the good work sir