By Ọmọsọla Olumide
OTA, Ogun State — High Chief Olanrewaju Bashorun, Seriki of Ota, popularly known as Larry Bash, Ọmọ Baba Oke-De, has urged journalists to uphold the virtues of Omolúwàbí, truth, fairness and professionalism, stressing that genuine efforts for the good of society could sometimes attract criticism.
Bashorun made the call on Monday, September 28, 2026, when the newly elected executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun West Independent Chapel, led by its Chairman, Comrade Olatunji Egbewunmi, paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Oke-De, Ota.
The community leader, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer for the 2027 Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency House of Representatives election, welcomed the new executive and congratulated them on their election.
Egbewunmi, while introducing members of the new executive, used the occasion to seek a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between the chapel and individuals, traditional institutions, political stakeholders, industries, professionals, government agencies and other critical stakeholders across Ogun West, irrespective of political affiliation or group.
Responding, Larry Bash urged the journalists to make Omolúwàbí — good character, integrity and responsible conduct — the foundation of their professional engagements.
He said his commitment to the principles of Omolúwàbí had itself attracted criticism on numerous occasions, but that such criticism would not make him abandon the values he believed in.
According to him, “My Omolúwàbí has been criticised time without number, but I will not stop being an Omolúwàbí. It is inbuilt in me.”
Bashorun maintained that people who genuinely engage in good deeds should not expect to be free from criticism, noting that even individuals who stood for righteousness and served humanity had faced opposition.
Drawing lessons from the lives of Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed, he said history had shown that those who stood firmly for what they believed was right could still encounter criticism and resistance.
He therefore encouraged the journalists to remain committed to truth, fairness and responsible journalism, rather than allowing criticism to discourage them from doing what they considered right.
The APC flag bearer also spoke on his involvement in community development, stressing that his activities in Ota predated his political ambition.
According to him, although his political ambition became more pronounced about two years ago, his involvement in Ota and its community affairs dated back about eight years.
Bashorun recalled serving as chairman of several conflict-resolution committees, where he contributed to efforts aimed at resolving disputes and promoting peace within the community.
He also highlighted his interventions in education, saying his decision to assist young people was motivated by humanity rather than political considerations.
He recalled seeing young people roaming the streets without meaningful opportunities and decided to intervene through scholarships and other forms of educational support.
Bashorun said he had also facilitated admissions for students into higher institutions without attaching political conditions or demanding their support for any political ambition.
He stressed that his interventions were driven by the desire to give young people opportunities to build better futures.
“It is about humanity,” he said, emphasising the need for individuals and leaders to invest in the younger generation and give young people hope.
The Seriki of Ota pledged that, if given greater opportunities to serve, he would do more and strive to surpass the level of community service and humanitarian interventions he had rendered in the past.
He further assured the NUJ delegation of his readiness to maintain a cordial relationship with the media, describing journalists as important stakeholders in community development and democratic engagement.
Earlier, Egbewunmi said the courtesy visit was part of the new executive's efforts to strengthen relationships with critical stakeholders across Ogun West.
He said the chapel would continue to uphold professionalism, fairness, objectivity and responsible journalism while providing a platform for constructive engagement among stakeholders.
The visit ended with both sides expressing optimism that the relationship would deepen cooperation and strengthen the media-community partnership for the development of Ota and the wider Ogun West region.
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