“Press Freedom Under Attack? Outrage in Arogbo as Asari Dokubo’s Wife, Tarike-Ebi Dokubo, Allegedly Silences Journalists — ‘Delete This News or Face Consequences’ Threat Sparks Fury”
By Passman Akpos
Tension and controversy have erupted in Arogbo Kingdom, Ondo State, following allegations that Hon. Mrs. Tarike-Ebi Powei Dokubo, wife of Mujahid Dokubo-Asari and a House of Assembly aspirant for Ese-Odo Constituency under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), prevented journalists from conducting a scheduled interview during her recent political visit to the community.
According to reports from Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters, the incident occurred around 7:51 p.m. shortly after Hon. Mrs. Dokubo’s visit to His Highness Bekewei Oyinbo in Erubiri, Arogbo Kingdom.
Correspondents at the scene alleged that despite earlier assurances that the aspirant would speak with journalists after the royal engagement, access to her was abruptly restricted by members of her entourage, with a security aide reportedly stepping in to halt the interview.
The development has since sparked criticism among residents, media practitioners, and political observers, many of whom described the action as an unfortunate signal of hostility toward press engagement.
Several community voices argued that, as a first-time political visitor to Arogbo seeking public office, the aspirant should have embraced open communication with journalists and constituents rather than allowing the interaction to be blocked.
Some observers maintained that even if circumstances changed, the situation could have been handled more diplomatically through a polite explanation rather than what they described as a forceful shutdown of the media engagement.
Critics further warned that restricting press access during political outreach raises wider concerns about transparency, accountability, and willingness to engage with public scrutiny.
Residents also stressed that the people of Ese-Odo deserve leaders who maintain open relationships with both the media and the electorate, especially during early consultations and grassroots visits.
The controversy deepened after an alleged threat message linked to Ebiere Powei surfaced shortly after the publication of the report.
The message allegedly read:“If you don’t delete this your fake news now, you will blame yourself for it. I promise you.”
The alleged statement has generated further outrage online, with concerns being raised over intimidation of journalists and freedom of the press.
Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters, however, maintained that the interview was never granted, insisting that their report was based on firsthand accounts from correspondents present during the incident in Erubiri, Arogbo Kingdom.
As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Mrs. Tarike-Ebi Powei Dokubo and her campaign team had not publicly responded to the allegations surrounding the blocked interview and the alleged threat message.
