By Ade Iyamoye
The Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan is taking legal action against Agidigbo 88.7 FM, accusing the radio station of unethical journalism and reputational damage following the broadcast of a false claim by a guest alleging pregnancy by a Catholic priest.
In a statement, the Archdiocese described the allegation, aired on May 2, 2025, as “entirely false, malicious, and injurious to the integrity of the Catholic Church and her clergy.”
The guest, Kate Odjegba, claimed on the programme that a priest within the Archdiocese impregnated her.
However, multiple certified medical tests have since confirmed she was never pregnant, while police investigations had earlier dismissed similar allegations she made elsewhere as baseless and influenced by mental health issues.
The Church said Ms. Odjegba only approached the priest once to solicit financial help and had no other interaction with him.
Claims of text messages and repeated sexual encounters were also dismissed as fabricated.
Following the broadcast, representatives of the Archdiocese met with Agidigbo FM’s management and Ms. Odjegba, during which a jointly agreed pregnancy test again confirmed she was not pregnant.
Despite these findings, the Church expressed dismay that Agidigbo FM aired the accusation without basic fact-checking or due diligence, choosing sensationalism over truth.
“The thirst for cheap publicity and the rush to publicize scandal without verification has caused considerable reputational harm,” said Rev. Fr. Anthony Omolade, Chancellor of the Archdiocese.
The Archdiocese has now instructed a law firm to pursue all legal means to hold the radio station accountable and ensure redress.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice and truth, the Church called on the media to uphold ethical standards and resist becoming tools for misinformation.
“We will never permit the name of the Church to be defamed without consequence,” the statement concluded.
