Pius Nsabe
The Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan has vowed to take legal actions against an Ibadan based radio station, Agidigbo 88.7 FM, over a broadcast it views as a professional indiscretion, capable of bringing the archdiocese and the entire Roman Catholic Church to disrepute.
A strongly worded statement signed by the Archdiocese’s Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Omolade, detailed the event that triggered the reaction of the Church. According to the statement, in a broadcast by Agidigbo FM, which was also disseminated on its various social media platforms, a certain female guest, Kate Odjegba, claimed that she was impregnated by a Rev. Father under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the archdiocese. However, investigations later proved that the allegations were false.
The statement noted that the said woman “while she was once associated with a parish within our Archdiocese, has never been pregnant, as multiple independent medical tests and scans carried out by certified professionals have definitively shown”.
It said prior to approaching Agidigbo FM, the woman had made similar accusations through other public channels, and after due Interrogation and assessment, her claims were dismissed as entirely unfounded and indicative of mental health struggles.
“Contrary to her claims of sustained and repeated sexual encounters, there are witnesses who can testify that the limited interaction she had with the priest was when she presented herself to solicit financial assistance. There were no closed-door meetings, and certainly no form of relationship. The text messages she alluded to are non-existent and are mere fabrications”.
The archdiocese, in the statement, said records of the case and all associated false claims were initially handled by two different Police stations and the same were dismissed for lacking truth, adding that the details of the condition of the woman was well-known to many in her community.
The Ibadan Catholic Archdiocese said it responded to the said broadcast interview by taking steps to address the matter with care by visiting the radio station and ensuring a pregnancy test was conducted on the said woman, which turned out negative.
“On Friday, 9th May 2025, representatives of the archdiocese visited the station to engage directly with the individual involved in the presence of Agidigbo FM’s Management. In the interest of truth, and with due regard for the dignity of all parties, we requested that a pregnancy test be conducted at a medical facility designated by Agidigbo FM. Upon mutual agreement, the test was carried out and the same came out negative”.
The Church described as unfortunate and deeply regrettable the fact that Agidigbo 88.7 FM, a media institution that ought to uphold the principles of truth, responsibility, and fairness, chose to broadcast such a serious claim without conducting even the most basic form of journalistic verification.
“The thirst for cheap publicity and the rush to publicize a scandal without truth has now caused considerable reputational harm and sowed confusion, not only among the Christian faithful but also the entire public”.
The Church, in the statement, insisted that it will not condone the malicious claim and has, as such, instructed a law firm to take legal means to ensure that Agidigbo 88.7 FM realizes its journalistic lapse and takes concrete steps to repair the harm already caused.
The statement reiterated that while the Catholic Church stands on the side of truth, justice, and moral rectitude, and is willing to cooperate with lawful authorities in the pursuit of justice, it will never permit the name of the Church to be defamed without consequence.
The Ibadan Catholic Archdiocese used the medium to appeal to members of the public not to fall prey to the spread of malicious and sensationalized information, and to remain vigilant in distinguishing between truth and deceit.
It urged the media to remain instruments of truth and societal guidance, and practice their sacred duty with integrity, responsibility, and professional diligence.
As of the time of filing in this report, Agidigbo FM was yet to make any official statement on the matter.
