….A book written by Tolan Abati
When exactly did name Tolani Abatti come into my consciousness? I think that was in the early to mid-eighties, when a new form of journalist practice, popularly known as celebrity journalism, took the nation by storm. They focused on the wealth of celebrities, their accomplishments, and their glamourous lifestyle but also did not hesitate to expose the sordid and seamy sides of these men and women of glamour and wealth. While some perceived the soft sell magazines as being unduly sensational, insensitive, and vulgar, others saw its emergence as the best way to keep some level of checking those glamorous and influential individuals who ought to be role models in society but would rather exhibit the most antisocial behaviour.
The shrewd detective as journalist gadfly
Tolani Abati
Mr. Abatti, has traversed various magazines in the practice of his preferred genre of social/celebrity journalism. He has practiced his craft with Tempo magazine, Fame magazine, the National Encomium and is today, the Chief Executive Officer as well as the owner of an online medium called “Power Corridor”. It is amazing that, given the sensitivity and challenges of the genre of journalism he practices, Mr. Abatti has adhered strictly to the guiding codes of journalism, nobody to my knowledge has come out to accuse him of publishing falsehood out rightly or trying to impugn their integrity. Mr. Abatti, who has been covering the Lagos State House of Assembly beat for nearly two decades now, is a professional
with a high sense of moral integrity. This is the reason why he was able to actualize in-depth interviews with 58 members of the Assembly spanning 1999 to date, which constitutes the core of the book. Surely this could not have happened if most of the legislators did not repose confidence in his character, trustworthiness, and confidence in his professional judgment and sense of personal efficiency and efficacy.
On a personal note, it was not until 1999 that Tolani and I met personally when I became Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Mr. Abatti was assigned by his organisation to cover the whole seat of power at Alausa including the House of Assembly. It was an Herculean challenge but Mr. Abatti rose to the task and performed admirably. I remember that he would enter my office and conversation began in light-hearted manner only to grow In intensity and animation as the discussion continued. Obviously having done his investigation thoroughly, he would want confirmation, denial, or clarification on the information he had gathered. One thing about Abatti, he would seldom publish a one-sided story. He cherished being able to balance from all perspectives any story he was working on.
In his interview with the fourth Speaker of Lagos State House Assembly, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora disclosed why he gave Abatti the nickname ‘Otelemuye’ when he was Speaker. In his words, “Yes I nicknamed you ” Otelemuye” after my careful observation of your modus operandi whereby you moved around quietly and discreetly making your notes on people and events, particularly at social gatherings. You operated like a secret agent, which interprets, in Yoruba as “Otelemuye”. One might not know you were present at an event until your report came out in your magazine”.
” There is no doubt that Tolani Abatti brings rare integrity and amazing humility to the discharge of his duties. This book is crucial for anyone who wants to understand better aspects of the politics of Lagos State over the last two decades of sustained civil rule in our land. And beyond this, it gives us insights into the mindset, psychological disposition, as well as motivation of those we elected to utilize the power of governance on our behalf. This kind of knowledge will help people understand the political terrain better and even spur others to enter the political fray by active participation in the political process. For, as Edmund Burke admonishes us, “The only condition for evil to thrive in a community is for good people to do nothing”.
..Forward by Segun Ayobolu of the Nation Newspapers.
