In defence of David Hundeyin, Folayan says his deviation from traditional storytelling serves people’s interest

By KEMI KASUMU

“David Hundeyin has often been criticized for his approach to journalism. Critics argue that he becomes too entangled in his stories, is too emotional and strays from the path of traditional journalism….. David’s tenacity, passionate involvement, and deviation from traditional storytelling methods are precisely what Nigerians need.”

Nigerian investigative journalist David Hundeyin appears to have found more friends in some local media practitioners, as Fola Folayan, a media consultant, defends his style of journalism practice.

Folayan said the Badagry, Lagos State-born publisher of investigative journalist currently based in the Republic of Ghana, is doing exactly what Nigerians need by deviating from traditional storytelling of the mainstream journalism practice.

Also a filmmaker, founder and publisher of the West Africa Week Newspaper, David Hundeyin is 2023 James Currey Fellow, University of Cambridge, with well over 889,000 followers on X.

In a post on her X handle @TheFavoredWoman on Wednesday, Fola Folayan defended Hundeyin against criticism he sustained from his approach to journalism.

“David Hundeyin has often been criticized for his approach to journalism. Critics argue that he becomes too entangled in his stories, is too emotional and strays from the path of traditional journalism.

“However, it’s important to point out that to shed light on the cesspool that represents Nigeria’s political system, David’s tenacity, passionate involvement, and deviation from traditional storytelling methods are precisely what Nigerians need.

“The truth is, Hundeyin’s relentless pursuit has led to significant revelations that have validated the concerns and suspicions of many Nigerians.

“Today, we find ourselves grateful for this so-called “black market journalist” as his critics call him. His determination has shown us that we are not mere conspiracy theorists, but citizens concerned about the integrity of our nation.

“Without Hundeyin’s indefatigable pursuit of the truth, Nigerians might have been swayed to accept the unacceptable — to believe that allegations of forgery were mere political propaganda.

“The Nigerian President has been accused of presenting a certificate not issued by CSU (the university he claims to have attended) to INEC.

“Caleb Westberg, the registrar at Chicago State University, stated that the certificate, dated June 22, 1979, and submitted to INEC on June 17, 2022, was not issued by the university. Furthermore, Westberg said the President did not apply for a replacement certificate, nor was he ever issued one.

“So, where do we go from here?

“What will the gatekeepers of journalism do about this revelation?  Will they cover this in their editorials, feature it on their front pages, or discuss it in their news programs? Or will they choose to look the other way, as has often been the case in the past?” She asked.