I have worked with Babajide Kolade-Otitoju for more than 10 years. He is my boss turned blood brother and confidant. We are like 5 and 6, so I know him very well.
Before he joined TVC in 2013, he called me to ask about my opinion and our relationship has blossomed since then.
Also, as the anchor of Journalists’ Hangout, I have the authority and capacity to debunk a lot of misinformation, barefaced lies and campaign of calumny against him. We sat down together to design the programme in 2015, and as such, nobody is in a better position to talk about BKO and Journalists’ Hangout than myself.
Apart from the fact that I anchored the show for several years, I am very close to BKO and we habitually discuss a lot issues. I can call him anytime and we talk for hours on the show.
Even after moving to Abuja as the Northern Bureau Chief of TVC News, I don’t miss any edition of Journalists’ Hangout, while my relationship with BKO has not waned, as I still call him all the time to talk about matters discussed on the programme and other issues. As such, I can recall what he said and what he did not say. So, I am countering this in my personal capacity, because it’s the right thing to do and I am in a better position to challenge this false narrative.
Let me address the matter of the US drug files, which I see as an extension of the attempt to drag BKO.
Calling Babajide an “APC apologist” is nothing but mischief making and an attempt to give an innocent dog a bad name just to hang it. He remains an astute and objective journalist, who has over the years dissected issues for better understanding on the programme and other fora. No journalist in Nigeria has criticised the APC more than him. You can check past episodes of the programme. That he doesn’t do so when it suits the fancy of some people notwithstanding. His comments on issues can’t be dictated by the whims of some people. When there is a need, he says it as it is. Truth is what matters to him, not some warped opinion.
He is a cerebral, knowledgeable and a widely travelled journalist. No journalist has crisscrossed the country in search of information and knowledge more than him. The facts are there. He is one of the most decorated journalists that I know alive today, right from his time in print journalism to broadcast now.This is what they can’t beat, hence the gang up of losers against him. His recent achievements and progress, no doubt has have given rise to this hatred. These include achievements and recognition from the Federal Government as a hero of June 12, after his glamorous and star-studded 60th birthday.
Posting this about him seems to be borne out of malice, like others have been doing lately. It’s joining the bandwagon to tarnish his image and bring him down.
It testifies to the fact that this is all about witch-hunting. It will end in disappointment because he soars higher and will continue to shine on the show.
Rather than posting what is clearly unverified about what he said, why not just confirm first. If the post is genuinely dictated by concern for information and facts, the reproduction from the wall of Isaac O Obakpee is unnecessary, unwarranted, and just another attempt to advance the gang up against BKO.
This purported statement about US drug files is a complete fabrication and misinformation to drag BKO online. Nothing more.
For those who have the courage and honesty to care, the August 21, 2026 edition and other editions of Journalists’ Hangout are online. Just go and check.
Ayodele Ozugbakun
Pioneer Anchor of Journalists’ Hangout and Northern Bureau Chief of TVC News
Writes from Abuja