Inclusivity/Gender
Visually impaired alleged harassment, intimidation at Edo govt-owned media outfit
Written By: Ehioze Gilbert
17 Dec 2025 03:14 PM
Benin, Edo – Timothy Osemwegie, a prominent visually impaired media personality and activist known as "Inner Eye TV & Radio," has alleged that he was recently harassed and ordered to leave the premises of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) station located at Aduwawa in Benin City.
According to statements attributed to Osemwegie posted on Facebook, the incident stems from his persistent criticism of the Edo State Government, particularly his calls for transparency and accountability.
He reportedly linked the harassment to backlash from his coverage of controversial issues, including a report alleging that a 16-year-old boy acquired 14 hectares of land from the government, a story that has sparked online discussions about land allocations in the state.
Osemwegie, an indigene of Edo State, described the treatment as unjust and condemnable, arguing that it amounts to treating him "like a slave in his own land."
He emphasized that attempts to suppress dissenting voices through oppression or tyranny undermine democratic progress.
Supporters have amplified these claims, asserting that the state-owned EBS belongs to all Edo people and that no citizen should face unfair exclusion from public institutions.
Online posts have referenced him facing professional repercussions, such as query letters as a civil servant, for questioning large-scale land deals reportedly involving minors (with figures varying between 14 and 14,000 hectares in different accounts).
Some discussions suggest his investigative reporting, including stories initially aired on platforms associated with EBS, drew denials and subsequent pressure.
Osemwegie is recognized for his advocacy on good governance and societal issues through Inner Eye TV & Radio, often highlighting matters of public interest in Edo State.
As of now, there has been no public response from the management of Edo Broadcasting Service or the Edo State Government to these allegations.
Independent verification of the specific incident at the Aduwawa premises remains limited, with the claims primarily circulating through supporter statements and social media.
According to statements attributed to Osemwegie posted on Facebook, the incident stems from his persistent criticism of the Edo State Government, particularly his calls for transparency and accountability.
He reportedly linked the harassment to backlash from his coverage of controversial issues, including a report alleging that a 16-year-old boy acquired 14 hectares of land from the government, a story that has sparked online discussions about land allocations in the state.
Osemwegie, an indigene of Edo State, described the treatment as unjust and condemnable, arguing that it amounts to treating him "like a slave in his own land."
He emphasized that attempts to suppress dissenting voices through oppression or tyranny undermine democratic progress.
Supporters have amplified these claims, asserting that the state-owned EBS belongs to all Edo people and that no citizen should face unfair exclusion from public institutions.
Online posts have referenced him facing professional repercussions, such as query letters as a civil servant, for questioning large-scale land deals reportedly involving minors (with figures varying between 14 and 14,000 hectares in different accounts).
Some discussions suggest his investigative reporting, including stories initially aired on platforms associated with EBS, drew denials and subsequent pressure.
Osemwegie is recognized for his advocacy on good governance and societal issues through Inner Eye TV & Radio, often highlighting matters of public interest in Edo State.
As of now, there has been no public response from the management of Edo Broadcasting Service or the Edo State Government to these allegations.
Independent verification of the specific incident at the Aduwawa premises remains limited, with the claims primarily circulating through supporter statements and social media.
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