Last week Saturday, noted broadcaster and journalist Edmund Obilo revealed that he’s leaving Splash FM Ibadan, after spending nine good years of unflagging journalism with the first independent private radio station in the ancient city of Ibadan.
However, his final broadcast on Splash was on Wednesday, 26th, October 2016 and he disclosed that he’s moving forward in order to chase his dream. Mr. Obilo is known for his incisive interviews with prominent individuals, his bold approach of asking the hardest questions, his unbiased analyst view of situations and intellectual based content which made him unique among his peers.
Over the years, his unique style of journalism that’s rare among broadcasters and journalists of this generation made his popularity go beyond the Oyo-State capital Ibadan, to another part of the Southwest region of the country.
Edmund Obilo usually anchored Splash FM‘s most listened current affairs program ” Voices “ alongside with ” Bull Eyes “ where he usually asked those hardest questions from scholars and politicians and lastly ” Economy Search Light “ where he interviewed economist to address the situation of the economy and also him giving out an in-depth analyst. Edmund’s platforms are known for an avenue where activists and ordinary citizens are invited to express their views and opinions on national questions.
On June, 9th, 2014, Obilo tasted the bitter side of his activism on radio for better Nigeria, when he aired interview he had with then Nigerian House of Representatives member, Kamil Akinlabi who reveals dirty secret of how Gov of Oyo-State, Abiola Ajimobi and royal highness of Alaafin of Oyo are allegedly to be sharing the money belonging to the state, under the guise of fake contracts.
The interview he aired that time got him into trouble in the hands of a political power broker who order NBC to suspend the interview to be air on radio( report says its Gov Abiola Ajimobi that order NBC to suspend the interview to be air on the radio) and also send him away for unprepared sabbatical leave.
Ever since then, Edmund’s popularity has been tested and it shows that he’s truly an influential figure in the station and society at large. Sometimes in June this year, Obilo had a disagreement with the management of the station, which led him to resign from his duty over the ownership of content he used on his various social media platforms, though the issue was resolved back and he later returned back to the station after a renewal offer was agreed between him and the management of the station.
As Edmund Obilo finally leaves Splash FM, the question in the lips of everybody is that where is he heading to? Though, his recent Facebook message shows that he will soon be back on the radio but which station is the radioman heading to?
After Nine Years of Unflagging Journalism with Splash FM, Where is Edmund Obilo Heading to?
Back on Radio (Speculated Destination is Fresh FM of Ibadan)
Yes, Edmund himself said it that he will be back soon on the radio but which with which station? Over the past few months, speculation has been going viral in town that veteran Tungba Gospel maestro Yinka Ayefele wants to employ the services of Edmund to his own radio station, Fresh FM. In my own view and also no disrespect to the Fresh FM brand, Edmund is too big for that brand. His presence in that station is just to drive more listeners to the station which will lead to more income in advertisement charging.
In fact, Edmund needs a new environment that we bring the best out of him than what we have witnessed at Splash FM, but if Fresh FM is the destination so be it.
He Should Join Politics
Everybody love to hear Edmund on the radio with the way he addresses the national issue and also hoping for better tomorrow to come, but it will very interesting to see people like him run for public office than the so-called liars and corrupts politicians we have as leaders.
Though Edmund has once said it that he envies Buhari, but he has not finished his activism for what good journalism should be in the country on the radio.
I will love to know which destination you want Edmund to be next after departing from Splash FM by dropping a comment below.
Hope you enjoy my write-up, see you next time.