By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Popular Yoruba media personality and host of the long-running programme Agbaletu, Dele Adeyanju, has responded to mounting criticism over recent interviews aired on his platform involving former members of prominent Fuji music bands.
Adeyanju came under fire from some quarters within the Fuji music community and fans of renowned musicians, particularly after episodes featuring ex-members of King Sunny Ade’s African Beats band sparked heated reactions online. Detractors accused the journalist of sowing division and sensationalizing internal disputes for publicity.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his social media pages, Adeyanju dismissed the backlash, asserting his professional integrity and reiterating that his content is guided by journalistic principles and the laws of Nigeria.
“I do not have any regret howsoever in the way I carry out my business as a journalist, inasmuch as I do it within the ambit of the laws of Nigeria,” he stated. “Most testimonials are eyewitness accounts or drawn from personal experiences of the respondents. I only ask objective questions to learn the truth.”
Adeyanju acknowledged that the platform has made him both friends and critics over the years. However, he emphasized that every guest who appears on Agbaletu does so voluntarily and is never told what to say.
“I do not care. This is my calling and ministry,” he added. “I have never told anyone what to say. It’s their personal experience.”
Reacting to accusations that his content relies on clickbait and suggestive headlines, the broadcaster admitted that while some titles are crafted to capture attention, they never misrepresent the substance of the interviews.
In addressing the backlash from fans of legendary Fuji musician King Sunny Ade, Adeyanju defended his decision to give former band members a platform.
“Someone should give me a reason why they don’t deserve to be heard. Is it because most of them do not have the financial power or because they have limited academic support?” he queried.
Adeyanju further noted that Agbaletu has been airing for over 15 years and would not be intimidated or silenced by threats.
“I will never blackmail, libel, defame or slander anyone. I have no regrets, however little,” he declared.
He concluded his message with a Yoruba proverb directed at his critics:
“Epe ti awon omo yin ba le ru ni kee se. Eda ti ko ba sise epe, epe o le baa. Adabi ja, o ju epe lo.”
(“The curse that your children can bear is the only one that will stand. If one’s destiny is not aligned with a curse, it will not come to pass. Hardship is stronger than curses.”)
Signing off in a tone of defiance and conviction, he wrote:
“Mo so’yi mo duro na. Ire.”
(“I have said it and I stand by it. Peace.”)
The controversy underscores the increasingly blurred line between journalism and entertainment in the digital era, especially as online platforms continue to shape public discourse in Nigeria’s music and cultural sectors.