BCOS suspends union leader Aliyu Bashiru after controversy over prayer call linked to reported staff deaths and alleged inciting voice note.
The management of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) has suspended a member and union leader, Mr. Aliyu Bashiru, following an internal dispute linked to a prayer call reportedly made in reaction to the deaths of several staff members within the corporation.
The disciplinary action stemmed from allegations that the union leader circulated a voice note considered inciting on a staff communication platform, a claim he has strongly denied.
Background: Concerns over staff deaths and prayer calls
The controversy emerged amid growing concern within the corporation over reported deaths of some staff members in recent times, which had already created tension and emotional distress among workers.
In response to the situation, Mr. Aliyu Bashiru, who serves as a union official, reportedly called on members of staff to engage in prayers for the welfare and protection of workers, a move he said was intended to seek spiritual intervention and unity among staff.
However, management later described the communication linked to the incident as inappropriate, alleging that it was framed in a manner that could be interpreted as incitement against the corporation’s leadership.
Official query issued by BCOS management
In an internal memorandum dated June 2, 2026, the Department of Administration and Supplies issued a formal query to Mr. Bashiru.
The management alleged that he used a voice note circulated on the corporation’s official WhatsApp platform to “instigate staff members against management” and used what it described as “incendiary words” capable of disrupting peace within the organisation.
The memo, signed for the Director of Administration and Supplies, further accused him of showing disrespect to constituted authority and engaging in conduct that could threaten unity within BCOS.
He was asked to provide an explanation why disciplinary action should not be taken against him, with a deadline of June 3, 2026.
LETTER OF QUERY
Information reaching the Department of Administration and Supplies had it that you instigated the staff members of BCOS against the Management of the Corporation in a voice note you dropped on the Corporation’s official Whatsapp platform on the 2nd of June, 2026.
Reports revealed that you deliberately used incendiary words to incite members of staff against constituted authority while also disrespecting Management.
You are therefore requested to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for your outright disrespect to the Management and action capable of causing a breach of peace and unity in the Corporation.
Your representation should reach the office of the Director of Administration & Supplies on or before the close of work on Wednesday, 3rd June, 2026.
Thank you
Union leader’s response
In his written reply, Mr. Bashiru denied the allegations, insisting that he was not a member of the corporation’s official WhatsApp platform and therefore could not have sent any voice note there.
He clarified that the only audio message he recorded on June 2, 2026, was shared strictly on the RATTAWU platform in his capacity as a union secretary, and it was made in the context of growing concern over the wellbeing of staff following reported deaths.
According to him, the intention of his message was to encourage solidarity and prayer among workers rather than to incite or undermine management authority.
“I did not at any time use offensive or inciting words against constituted authority,” he stated, adding that his actions were consistent with his union responsibilities and commitment to staff welfare.
INTERNAL MEMORANDUM
From: Mr. Aliyu Bashiru
Chief Clerical Officer
To: Director of Administration & Supplies
Thro: DPR&S
RE-LETTER OF QUERY
In reference to your letter dated 2nd June, 2026 on the above subject matter.
Firstly, permit me to state here that I am not a member of the Corporation’s official Whatsapp Platform which implied that I am not eligible to have access to information not to talk of sending voice note or messages to the said platform.
As a matter of fact, let me state unequivocally that I am yet to fully understand the import off and purported voice note under reference as I did not make any incendiary comment to incite members of staff against Constituted Authority, and I will never have any reason whatsoever to disrespect Management.
The only voice note I made on the 02nd of June, 2026 was on the RATTAWU Platform and it was made in the course of carrying out my duties as the Secretary of BCOS RATTAWU.
At no time did I use any offensive or inciting words capable of turning members of staff against the constituted authority or showing disrespect to the Management of BCOS. Such conduct is not in line with my character or responsibilities.
I remain loyal and committed to the progress of the Corporation. I pledge to continue to discharge my duties responsibly and uphold the values of BCOS in cause of ensuring the welfare of my members.
Thank you.
Management’s investigation and suspension decision
Following further review of the matter and Mr. Bashiru’s response, BCOS management issued a final memorandum dated June 10, 2026.
The management stated that after careful examination, it found him guilty of the allegations, maintaining that the voice note reflected what it described as disrespect toward management and the institution.
While noting that the offence was serious enough to warrant dismissal, the corporation said it chose to “temper justice with mercy.”
Mr. Bashiru was subsequently suspended for two weeks without pay, effective June 11, 2026.
The memo warned that any repeat of such conduct would attract stricter disciplinary action, urging staff to adhere strictly to communication protocols and maintain internal discipline.
INTERNAL MEMORANDUM
FROM: Director of Admin. & Supplies
TO: Mr. Aliyu Bashiru
Chief Clerical Officer
ufs: DPR&S
REF: T/BCOS/C.25/128
DATE: 10th June, 2026
RE: QUERY
LETTER OF SUSPENSION
You would recall that you were issued a query over the incendiary words to incite members of staff against constituted authority through a voice note you dropped on one of the Corporation’s platforms.
The voice note message revealed a very high level of disrespect to Management and the entire Corporation.
After careful examination of your response to the query and findings from further investigations, it was established beyond reasonable doubt that you were guilty of the allegation.
The offence you committed was such that could have earned you outright dismissal but Management has decided to temper justice with mercy.
However, you are hereby awarded two (2) weeks suspension without pay with effect from Thursday, 11th June, 2026.
It is expected of you to purge yourself of further misdemeanor as repeat of such misconduct will attract stiffer administrative sanction.
Ongoing concerns within the corporation
The incident has drawn attention to rising internal sensitivities within BCOS, especially amid reports of staff deaths that have heightened anxiety among employees.
While management maintains that disciplinary procedures were properly followed, the situation highlights the delicate balance between union expression, employee welfare concerns, and institutional authority in public sector workplaces.
Related news:
Kayode Olagunju congratulates Taiwo Adebowale as new BCOS General Manager
BCOS NUJ visits SSG, seeks end to contract staff uncertainty
BCOS Ibadan property scandal and ₦500 million asset disposal allegations
About The Author
