By Banji Ayoola
A lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Kayode Ajulo has criticised a video clip showing the state of health of the recuperating Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as a violation of the governor’s privacy, dignity and integrity.
The said video clip which immediately went viral at the weekend was posted in commoration of the 67th birthday of the gverrnor on July 21.
But Ajulo, who was a former chairman of Ondo State Radio Vision Corporation, OSRC. and former National Secretary of Labour Party, said that it was wrong and unethical on the part of the posters and even the hospital which allowed the filming of its recuperating patient .
He said that apart from violating the governor’s privacy and dignity,, the clip portrayed him in a vulnerable state.
To him, it is essential to prioritize the privacy and dignity of private and public figures, especially when they are facing health challenges.
His words, “Sharing such a video of the Governor in a weakened condition is highly insensitive and uncalled for. Irrespective of the rumour making the rounds, his privacy and integrity must be respected especially during this time of health struggles.”
Ajulo said a more respectful approach could have been taken, such as arranging a private meeting or a personal video call to convey greetings from the esteemed well-wishers, particularly the Acting Governor, Secretary to the State Government, the Deji of Akure, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom and other dignitaries.
He said: “I maintain that it was a total invasion of the Governor’s privacy and an act of insensitivity towards his well-being. As concerned citizens, we must support him and pray more for his speedy recovery, not exploit his vulnerable state for any purpose.”
The lawyer stressed that the picture showing him and his wife was sufficient to assure the public of his well-being, noting that crucial health matters are personal and should not be exploited for political or any other purposes, underscoring the need to maintain ethical standards in public disclosure of information and images.
According to him, allowing the Governor to be filmed in such a state was unethical and could warrant calls for sanctions against the healthcare providers involved, saying it undermined the trust and confidence usually reposed in them during critical times of illness.
He said:, “Critical medical care should be managed with utmost professionalism and sensitivity. It is disheartening that medical practitioners could allow such unethical behaviour.
“Healthcare personnel should be well aware of their ethical obligations to maintain patient privacy and confidentiality because the medical profession prides itself on upholding the Hippocratic Oath, and any breach of this sacred commitment is highly condemned. It is therein appropriate that patient confidentiality and dignity are upheld.”
Another lawyer, Mr Allen Sowore also said the right to privacy of the governor should have been observed instead of showing the pictures and videos of the governor in an hospital environment.
However, the Majority Leader of Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, said that the video was released in good faith without any intention of harming the Governor or his family.
Ogunmolasuyi who represents Owo constituency 1, said, “I meant no harm with the video. It was sent out because some people are saying that the Governor was on life supporting machine.
“As at yesterday( Friday), he served everyone around him with food and cake without any assistance and he danced to Yinka Ayefele music for more than 1 hour 30mins and he was on his feet for over 2 hours without any support.
“He spoke with the entire 9th ODHA Assembly assembly via group call. He also spoke with the entire ODHA 10th Assembly via group call yesterday.
“He spoke with many people that called his phone to wish him happy birthday yesterday”
