Chief Adetola Adeniyi recounted his experiences as Africa’s first newspaper ombudsman in an interview with The Punch, describing how he balanced public accountability with journalistic responsibility. He explained that his role was essentially to serve as the public’s advocate within the newsroom, addressing complaints and intervening where necessary.
When asked about the personal sacrifices his family made for his career, Chief Adetola Adeniyi said their greatest contribution was simply enduring the pressures that came with his work. He described his wife as remarkably courageous, noting that she read all his articles before publication and never shied away from the risks involved.
He recalled several occasions in 1979 when they had to leave their home abruptly after receiving intelligence that unknown individuals intended to harm him or burn down their house. On two such occasions, they temporarily stayed with Mrs. Oyediran, the eldest daughter of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Adeniyi explained that the Nigerian Tribune was aligned with the UPN because of Obafemi Awolowo, and they suspected that opposing party operatives from the NPN might resort to violence. The constant threat of attacks on the Tribune House or their personal safety marked a tense period for him and his family, reflecting the dangers faced by journalists at the time.
Further talking, he said, “Somebody came to tell me that they were planning to attack us that night. I wouldn’t know whether it was an article that I wrote against Shagari or not. But I think it was about the same time that Paul Tafa declared me wanted when they couldn’t get to me.
“Then he was a soldier and the administrator of Oyo State, and they sent a note to Shinkafi, the then Commissioner of Police. It was published in Tribune, and it’s also in my book now. He said, ‘Find Tola Adeniyi dead or alive, but better alive. Remove one eye and cut off one leg; then he will know what I, Tafa, will be remembered for.’”
He explained that he received the warning through his professional networks. Within the Commissioner of Police’s office, there were officers and media personnel who acted as informants, providing him with a tip-off that prompted him to leave immediately.
He first went to the home of Justice Thompson, considering it a safer option than traveling the longer distance to his elder brother’s house. Afterward, he stayed with a colleague, Mr. Akinola, in Ibadan, where he remained in hiding for several days.
Eventually, a close family friend, General Abisoye, assured him that the threat had passed. With that confirmation, he returned home, and Tafa, another associate, confirmed it was safe for him to resume normal life.See_More…