Misuse Of Union Bank Chairman’s Photo Sparks Mistaken Identity Concerns

The publication of the photograph of the Chairman of Union Bank, Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, in a report on a politically sensitive criminal case has raised concerns over the dangers of mistaken identity and the importance of accuracy in visual journalism.

The report, published by and online medium focused on allegations made by the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council regarding the arrest of murder suspect Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as Abbey Ashipa. The report quoted several APC officials, including the Director-General of the Osun Central Campaign Council, Prince Adebayo Adeleke, who commented on the arrest and called for further action by law enforcement agencies.

However, the photograph accompanying the story was that of the Chairman of Union Bank, Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, a prominent corporate leader who has no known connection with the political developments, the criminal allegations, or the individuals mentioned in the report.

The similarity in names between the Union Bank Chairman and Prince Adebayo Adeleke, who was quoted extensively in the article, significantly increases the likelihood that readers could mistakenly believe the image depicts the campaign official or that the Chairman has some connection to the events described.

Media experts note that where a report concerns allegations of serious criminal conduct or politically sensitive matters, the incorrect use of a photograph can create a false and misleading impression, even where the written report does not identify the person in the image.

The report itself centred on allegations by the APC Campaign Council that murder suspect Abiodun Arowomole (Abbey Ashipa) was arrested at the residence of the Secretary to the Osun State Government. It also carried statements from the family of the late Sheriff Oyewale, who appealed to the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the suspect is prosecuted. These remain allegations and appeals reported by the publisher.

Observers noted that none of the allegations contained in the report relates to the Chairman of Union Bank. They warned that using his photograph alongside such a report risks exposing an innocent individual to unwarranted public suspicion, reputational harm, and unnecessary association with a politically charged criminal investigation.

The potential consequences extend beyond the individual concerned to his family, professional relationships, business interests, and the organisations with which he is associated. For corporate leaders, even an unintended visual misidentification can have significant reputational and commercial implications.

Media ethics require that photographs accompanying news reports accurately identify the individuals concerned, particularly where stories involve allegations of criminal conduct or contentious political issues. Careful verification of images is widely regarded as a fundamental element of responsible journalism and an essential safeguard against avoidable harm.

Observers have therefore called on the publisher to review the report and replace the incorrect photograph with an image of the appropriate individual to prevent further public confusion. They also urged readers to distinguish between Prince Adebayo Adeleke, the political figure quoted in the report, and Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, the Chairman of Union Bank, who is not connected with the allegations or the events reported.

The incident serves as a reminder that accuracy in journalism extends beyond words. Correct visual identification is equally vital to protecting individual reputations, maintaining public confidence, and upholding the principles of fair and responsible reporting.