Yesterday was undoubtedly a challenging day for me, marked by the publication of a story on the passing of Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives.
Our news platform, a 16-year-old organization with an online presence since August 22, 2011, from our office at 29, Ijaoye Street, Jibowu Yaba, Lagos, has always prioritized accurate and timely news delivery to our readers.
The day began with a call from a colleague seeking confirmation of the news of Hon. Onanuga’s demise. I initiated immediate inquiries, but initial responses denied the reports. However, I recalled a trusted contact who was close to Hon. Onanuga and known for their forthrightness.
This individual confirmed the news of her passing. I waited another 30 minutes to reconfirm with another source, who also corroborated the story.
Following this due diligence, I published the story “Breaking: Ogun Rep Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga Dies at 59.” Soon after, my phone began to ring incessantly with calls from colleagues, politicians, and members of the National and State Assemblies. Unfortunately, some individuals from the APC Sagamu were hostile, and I was compelled to switch off my phone at around 1 pm.
When I resumed calls at 2 pm, I found numerous messages on WhatsApp, and upon checking the Sagamu APC platform, I observed that the story was being widely discussed. Later, at an event in Oke-ilewo, I encountered a former chairman who claimed close ties to Hon. Onanuga. He publicly accused me of publishing fake news, shouting at me to retract the story. This unexpected confrontation left me feeling embarrassed and shaken.
Despite these challenges, I continued to verify the story and contacted a third source outside the country, who confirmed Hon. Onanuga’s passing. I then received a call from a chief at the Akarigbo palace, but the shock of the situation prevented me from recalling his title. Feeling overwhelmed, I turned off my phone and retired for the evening.
Later, at around 7 pm, the spokesperson for the National Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Jr, confirmed the story and issued a statement. While this confirmation brought some relief, the day’s events had taken a significant emotional toll. This experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges journalists face, particularly when reporting on sensitive and impactful news. Nevertheless, our commitment to accuracy and fairness remains unwavering.
I extend my deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time. May God grant them strength and comfort. May God forgive her shortcomings and grant her eternal peace. Ameen. Adieu.
Timothy Odedina
Publisher, Newsacross Newspaper
