Ogun State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists has demanded a public apology from the governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke following attack on journalists on Friday at Joga Orile area of the State.

Bunmi Adigun, the Secretary of the Council and a senior reporter with Ogun State Television, OGTV, was, alongside others, attacked by security aides attached to Governor Adeleke, some of whom were hooded, during the conferment of chieftaincy title on Adeleke as part of his 66th birthday in Joga Orile.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of Ogun Council, 'Wale Olanrewaju, the union urged Governor Adeleke to hold the perpetrators of the condemnable act to account.

The union also demanded the governor to ensure that measures are put in place to safeguard the rights and safety of journalists as attacks on the press will not be tolerated in any form.

According to the statement, failure of governor Adeleke to address the demands of the union with the seriousness it deserves shall be seen as a disregard for the rule of law and an assault on press freedom.

"We urge the Governor Adeleke to take swift and decisive action to hold the perpetrators of this attack accountable and to ensure that measures are put in place to safeguard the rights and safety of journalists as attacks on the press will not be tolerated in any form and that those responsible shall be made to face the full force of the law.

"As a unified body, we stand in solidarity with our colleague and strongly demand an immediate public apology to our colleague and a commitment from the Governor of Osun State to uphold the rights and safety of journalists.

"Any failure to address this matter with the urgency and seriousness it warrants will be viewed as a disregard for the rule of law and an assault."

The union also described as unacceptable, reckless behaviour of security operatives towards journalists, saying such is an attack on fundamental principle of press freedom and rights of citizens to access accurate and unbiased information.

"This reckless and reprehensible behaviour towards a member of the press, who was simply carrying out his professional duties, is utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in a democratic society, granted that any form of assault on a journalist is an affront to the fundamental principles of press freedom and the right of citizens to access accurate and unbiased information.

"It is deeply concerning that individuals entrusted with the responsibility of upholding law and order would resort to using excessive force and intimidation against journalists.

"Such actions not only undermine the integrity of the media but also erode the trust between the government and the people it serves," the union said.