Inside Edo
Visually impaired journalist 'harassed', forced to retire amid criticism of Edo govt
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
25 Dec 2025 04:09 PM
Benin, Edo – A prominent visually impaired broadcast journalist and activist, Timothy Osemwegie, known widely as the host of "Inner Eye TV & Radio," has accused officials at the state-owned Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) of harassment and intimidation. Osemwegie claims he was forcibly ordered to leave the station's premises in Aduwawa, Benin City, describing the ordeal as making him feel "like a slave in his own land."
The allegations, which emerged in mid-December, are linked to his outspoken criticism of the Edo State Government and calls for greater transparency in public affairs.
Osemwegie attributes the harassment to his coverage of controversial topics. In particular, he pointed to a recent report alleging that a 16-year-old boy had been allocated 14 hectares of land by the government, sparking widespread online debates about land distribution practices in the state.
"This is unjust treatment," Osemwegie stated in his public accounts of the incident, emphasizing that his work aims to hold authorities accountable.
The controversy escalated with the emergence of a letter dated December 17, 2025, from the Edo State Civil Service Commission, approving Osemwegie's compulsory retirement as a Tourism Officer II (Grade Level 08) with immediate effect.
The document, signed by G.U. Obazee, the acting Permanent Secretary on behalf of the Chairman, extends "hearty congratulations" but offers no explicit rationale for the decision.
Osemwegie, who balanced his civil service role with media activism, has not issued a direct public response to the letter. However, the timing shortly after the reported EBS incident has led to speculation of retaliation.
In a contrasting view, the commissioner for information and orientation, Kassim Afegbua welcomed the retirement and questioned Osemwegie's claims of visual impairment.
"He should actually be dismissed. You can't be flouting civil service rules and repeatedly being warned without restraint," Afegbua stated.
He further alleged, "He's not visually impaired. He pretends to be visually impaired. He drives. He walks alone unaided, he goes to places. He has consistently remained as a critic without staying at his duty post. No civil service will tolerate that, home and abroad."
Afegbua's comments to the report posted in a WhatsApp group portrayed the situation as a matter of disciplinary enforcement rather than political persecution.
Osemwegie is recognized for his advocacy through "Inner Eye TV & Radio," which amplifies marginalized voices and promotes good governance.
As of this report, neither EBS management nor the Edo State Government has provided an official statement addressing the allegations or the retirement.
This case underscores broader concerns about press freedom and the treatment of activists in Nigeria, especially those challenging government policies.
Advocates argue it reflects a pattern of intimidation against critical voices, while others maintain it highlights the need for adherence to civil service regulations.
The allegations, which emerged in mid-December, are linked to his outspoken criticism of the Edo State Government and calls for greater transparency in public affairs.
Osemwegie attributes the harassment to his coverage of controversial topics. In particular, he pointed to a recent report alleging that a 16-year-old boy had been allocated 14 hectares of land by the government, sparking widespread online debates about land distribution practices in the state.
"This is unjust treatment," Osemwegie stated in his public accounts of the incident, emphasizing that his work aims to hold authorities accountable.
The controversy escalated with the emergence of a letter dated December 17, 2025, from the Edo State Civil Service Commission, approving Osemwegie's compulsory retirement as a Tourism Officer II (Grade Level 08) with immediate effect.
The document, signed by G.U. Obazee, the acting Permanent Secretary on behalf of the Chairman, extends "hearty congratulations" but offers no explicit rationale for the decision.
Osemwegie, who balanced his civil service role with media activism, has not issued a direct public response to the letter. However, the timing shortly after the reported EBS incident has led to speculation of retaliation.
In a contrasting view, the commissioner for information and orientation, Kassim Afegbua welcomed the retirement and questioned Osemwegie's claims of visual impairment.
"He should actually be dismissed. You can't be flouting civil service rules and repeatedly being warned without restraint," Afegbua stated.
He further alleged, "He's not visually impaired. He pretends to be visually impaired. He drives. He walks alone unaided, he goes to places. He has consistently remained as a critic without staying at his duty post. No civil service will tolerate that, home and abroad."
Afegbua's comments to the report posted in a WhatsApp group portrayed the situation as a matter of disciplinary enforcement rather than political persecution.
Osemwegie is recognized for his advocacy through "Inner Eye TV & Radio," which amplifies marginalized voices and promotes good governance.
As of this report, neither EBS management nor the Edo State Government has provided an official statement addressing the allegations or the retirement.
This case underscores broader concerns about press freedom and the treatment of activists in Nigeria, especially those challenging government policies.
Advocates argue it reflects a pattern of intimidation against critical voices, while others maintain it highlights the need for adherence to civil service regulations.
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