BCOS Indiscriminate Staff Transfer: Isese Adherents Issue 7-Day Ultimatum, Demand Staff Recall

…As traditional worshippers threaten action over alleged discrimination, appeal to Governor Makinde to intervene.

The traditional worshippers in Oyo State have given the Chairman and management of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, a seven-day ultimatum to recall some staff members recently transferred indiscriminately to Oke-Ogun back to Ibadan by the corporation.

The Aare Isese of Oyo State, Chief Omikunmi Egbelade, issued the ultimatum at the 2026 Isese Day Festival held in Ibadan.

Egbelade questioned the decision to indiscriminately transferred the affected staff of their duties in Ibadan to Oke-Ogun alleging that they were sacked over their involvement in programmes promoting the cultural heritage of Isese adherents.

He argued that if the state government recognises and respects all cultures and religious groups, the management of the state-owned broadcasting station should not discriminate against traditional worshippers or exclude them from programmes aired by the corporation.

The Aare Isese warned that failure to reinstate the affected workers within seven days would compel the traditional worshippers and their leadership in the state to take action against the management of the broadcasting corporation.

Earlier, the Araba/Olu-Isese of Ibadanland, Araba Ifalere Odegbemi, commended the Oyo State Government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, for recognising traditional worshippers since the inception of the administration.

Odegbemi, however, expressed concern that despite the government’s recognition of traditional worshippers, BCOS, under its Chairman and management led by Mrs. Dotun Olaitan, allegedly excluded cultural adherents from some programmes where other religious groups were invited.

He therefore appealed to Governor Makinde to intervene in the matter and direct the BCOS management to recall the affected staff and resolve the issue amicably.