Rumble in the BCOS: Frustration, Transfers… Why Staff Are Leaving State Broadcasting Corporations in Droves | By Sola Abegunde
The Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, is facing growing concerns over staff departures, transfers and voluntary retirements, with more than 40 names allegedly linked to exits from the corporation under the administration of Dotun Olaitan, the Executive Chairman of the BCOS.
The development has generated conversations among current and former Staffs, pensioners and other stakeholders, with concerns being raised about staff morale, welfare and the prevailing working environment within the corporation.
Among the names allegedly being circulated are Ayodeji Ajisope, Ademola Aremu, popularly known as Papa Demmy, Deji Owotumi, Eyitayo Olusola, Segun Oyebode, Sodiq Hammed, Adegorioye Ariyo, Adenike Olosunde, Temitope Oke, Opeyemi Orimọlade, Doyin Akinpelu, Tobi Ajala, Mosinmoladeoluwa Soremekun, Clara Oteh and Dele Oguntola.
Others include, Adekunle Faniyi, popularly known as Ifá Nla, Adeniyi Rasheed, Ojo Oladipupo, Abayomi Asanlaye, Bashir Oladejo, Engr. Sadiq Oladayo, Temilade Fabunmi, Olaitan Adeniyi, Kofoworola Olofinyo, Kehinde Komolafe, Bala Sanni, Daramola Sesan, Akinbobola Omojua, Awoyemi Yusuf and Taoheed Folarin.
Also on the list are Akin Akinborode, popularly known as Kogokogo, Funke Isaac, Seun Oyelowo, Dupe Fehintola, Tomiwa Ajayi, Folorunso Abiala, Pat Aito, Oyebola Adesola, Tobiloba Ogunsina, Olabisi Pelumi Ojo, Abedeen Kasali and Animashaun Damilare.
The development has also drawn attention to the case of Afolakemi Akanbi, who reportedly submitted a resignation letter before subsequently withdrawing it following interventions from colleagues and other well-meaning individuals.
According to investigation, Akanbi was reportedly considering resignation amid concerns over the leadership style and working environment under the current administration, which some described as “unnecessarily harsh and vindictive.”
However, following heartfelt appeals and expressions of concern from pensioners, senior members of staff, former colleagues and friends outside BCOS, Akanbi reportedly withdrew her resignation.
The intervention has been described by colleagues as an indication of the value attached to her contribution and presence within the BCOS family.
Beyond individual cases, concerns have also been raised about what some staffs and stakeholders described as widespread frustration, dissatisfaction and unrest within the corporation.
However, the reasons for the reported departures vary and cannot be conclusively attributed to the administration without responses from the affected individuals and BCOS management. Some departures are reportedly connected to voluntary retirement, transfers, personal circumstances and other career decisions.
The growing number of exits nevertheless raises questions about staff morale, welfare, career progression and the corporation’s ability to retain experienced professionals.
For an institution with a long broadcasting history, the loss of experienced personnel could have implications for institutional memory, mentorship and the transfer of professional knowledge to younger broadcasters.
The situation therefore presents an important question for the corporation’s leadership and the Oyo state Government.
What can be done to address staff concerns, rebuild confidence and create a working environment where experienced professionals feel valued and motivated to remain?
The intervention in Akanbi’s case also demonstrates the potential value of dialogue, reconciliation and collective intervention when staff welfare and the broader interests of the institution are at stake.
As the conversation continues, stakeholders are hopeful that the challenges facing BCOS can be addressed and that the corporation can emerge stronger, more united and better positioned to fulfil its mandate, but, the state Government must be intentionally committed to the survival and growth of the Oyo state Broadcasting Corporations.
Government and the Management must ensure that BCOS must not only survive; it must thrive.
Sola Abegunde.