What Really Happened Behind Sulaiman Aledeh’s Exit from EBS?
Oshoma’s Insider Perspective on Alade’s Controversial Exit
Barrister Liborous Oshoma’s recent television appearance offered a candid, insider-driven analysis of the controversy surrounding Sulaiman Alade’s exit from the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS). Far from a smooth redeployment, Oshoma portrayed Alade’s departure as a principled resignation born of frustration.
A respected broadcaster who resurrected a moribund station, Alade faced mounting pressure in an environment increasingly hostile to professional integrity. Oshoma, who had closely observed operations at EBS through regular visits and analysis segments, painted a picture of a dedicated public servant whose efforts clashed with the administration’s preference for unquestioning loyalty.
Alade’s Remarkable Transformation of EBS
Under Alade’s leadership, EBS underwent a remarkable transformation. The station, previously off-air and dysfunctional, was digitized, brought online, and equipped with improved facilities including completed roofing, acoustics, and generators.
Alade introduced newspaper reviews to boost engagement and ensured the station could reach wider audiences vi a streaming.These achievements were not lost on observers like Oshoma, who described the broadcaster as a “square peg in a square hole” whose professional expertise breathed life into a dead institution. Yet, these very successes highlighted the gaps in government support, particularly the failure to activate supplied transmitters despite repeated requests for funding.
Clash of Professionalism and Politics: The Incidents That Forced Resignation
Tensions escalated as Alade fulfilled his role as a credible media leader. He defended a reporter allegedly harassed at the Government House, demanded accountability for incomplete drainage projects where rubble was left roadside, and noted non-functional streetlights issues any responsible broadcaster would flag.
When he queried staff for failing to file reports on certain political visits, including those involving the governor’s preferred candidate during APC primaries, it was perceived as disloyalty. Oshoma explained that these actions drew fire from powerful aides who expected EBS to function purely as a propaganda tool, not a platform for balanced reporting or constructive criticism. The battle lines were drawn long before the formal resignation on May 30, 2026.https://youtu.be/vKlUfxWJ2mg?si=TGlU85k0wHBm4wVc
Hasty Redeployment Claims and the Governor’s Damning Station Visit
The government’s response only deepened the skepticism. Alade’s resignation announcement triggered a hasty “redeployment” statement praising his dedication and expertise while assigning him to pioneer a non-existent Edo State Orientation Agency.
Oshoma sharply questioned the logic: why redeploy someone you claim performed poorly? The governor’s subsequent visit to EBS, where he accused Alade of mismanagement and unused transmitters, was met with rebuttals. Evidence showed the equipment was supplied by government contractors, not procured by Alade personally, and critical funds for activation and UPS installation were never released despite approvals. Even basic subventions appeared inconsistent, as the acting MD later pleaded for support.
Pattern of Sycophancy: Why Credible Voices Are Leaving Edo Government
Oshoma’s broader critique resonated deeply, reflecting a pattern where professionals like Samson Osagie and others have exited under similar clouds. He described an administration that initially showed promise through cerebral appointments but gradually yielded to sycophants and “jesters,” sidelining voices capable of genuine input.
The commissioner of information was reportedly marginalized, while close associates-controlled narratives, doctoring footage and gagging reporters. This culture, Oshoma argued, stifles development by punishing those who highlight lapses instead of empowering them to support effective governance. Alade’s survival of earlier confrontations only delayed the inevitable clash.
The High Cost of Echo Chambers: Lessons from Alade’s Resignation
Ultimately, the Sulaiman Alade saga underscores the tension between professional excellence and political expediency in Edo State. As Oshoma noted, surrounding leadership with yes-men may offer short-term comfort but erodes credibility and drives away talent.
For a state with real developmental needs, credible media and public institutions should serve as eyes and ears, not mere echo chambers. Alade’s exit, though painful, may signal the limits of such an approach. Whether the administration heeds this message or doubles down remains to be seen, but the public discourse ignited by voices like Oshoma’s ensures accountability remains part of the conversation.
