Fresh FM Ibadan has come under public scrutiny following allegations by the National Treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Diran Odeyemi, that the station’s proprietor, Evangelist Yinka Ayefele, ordered the abrupt interruption of a live political programme, Agbami Oselu.

The incident, which occurred during the broadcast of the programme anchored by broadcaster Abolade Salami, has sparked debate over editorial independence and the role of media owners in live political programming.

Speaking during a telephone conversation with Seyi Chicago shortly after the interruption, Odeyemi alleged that Ayefele directed members of staff to halt the station’s transmission while the programme was still on air because he was displeased with the direction of the political discussion.

The PDP chieftain, who featured as a guest on the programme, described the alleged action as unprofessional, arguing that it was inappropriate for a live political broadcast to be taken off the air over issues relating to its content.

The allegation has since generated reactions in political and media circles, with many calling for clarity on the circumstances surrounding the interruption.

However, an in-house source at Fresh FM, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disputed claims that the station deliberately shut down the broadcast.

According to the source, the interruption may have been linked to ongoing technical maintenance at the station rather than any attempt to stop the programme.

The source further disclosed that Fresh FM recently acquired new broadcast equipment worth hundreds of millions of naira as part of efforts to expand its operations and improve audio quality.

He added that installation and testing of the newly procured facilities could have necessitated the temporary disruption of transmission.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Fresh FM Ibadan nor its founder, Evangelist Yinka Ayefele, had issued an official statement responding to Odeyemi’s allegations or explaining the circumstances surrounding the interruption of Agbami Oselu. The development has, however, continued to fuel discussions over media ethics, editorial independence and transparency in broadcast operations.