Controversial social critic and blogger, Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo, announced in July 2016 that she was quitting journalism in Nigeria, following what she described as growing backlash from celebrities and their fans over her reports.
Olunloyo made the announcement on her social media page on Thursday, July 7, 2016, in a letter addressed to her fans.
In the letter, she apologised to followers and Nigerian celebrities who had been offended by some of her reports, insisting that her stories were based on investigative journalism and her commitment to what she described as the truth.
She wrote:
“Today July 7th 2016, I am really SORRY to tell you my fans that I will no longer practice Journalism in Nigeria.”
Olunloyo said she had faced opposition from celebrities and their supporters whenever she published stories concerning them.
She explained that she would instead concentrate on her Kemi’s Kids Foundation, which she said was focused on helping disadvantaged children in Nigeria.
The blogger also announced the cancellation of her planned social media tour of Nigeria and clarified that nobody had forced her to leave journalism.
According to her, she would continue writing for foreign media organisations and maintain her presence on social media, although she intended to keep a lower profile.
She also noted that Facebook had changed the description of her page from “Journalist” to “Public Figure” after she notified the platform of her decision.
Olunloyo encouraged her followers to seek news from other Nigerian media organisations, including newspapers and online publications.
She concluded her message with the hashtag #MadamKOO, thanking her followers for their support and asking them to share her message.
It would be recalled that Olunloyo had, in the period leading up to her announcement, frequently engaged several Nigerian celebrities on social media, making allegations and raising questions about issues involving them.
One of the most recent controversies at the time involved veteran Yoruba actor Prince Jide Kosoko following the death of his wife, Henrietta Kosoko.
Olunloyo had called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Henrietta Kosoko’s death and made claims concerning the actor and his late wives, remarks that generated considerable reactions on social media.
0 Comments