Abstract

Language use in journalism plays a significant role in shaping socio-political discourse. This is especially so in countries grappling with governance challenges, systemic corruption, and societal inequalities. In Nigeria, socio-political commentary has become a significant tool for critiquing leadership, promoting accountability, and engaging public discourse. This study critically examined lexical and rhetorical stylistic tools in socio-political articles written by Sam Omatseye, a prominent newspaper columnist and news editor.  The objectives of the study are to explore the stylistic features employed by Omatseye, uncover the ideological positions embedded within his articles, analyse how his use of language frames socio-political issues, and evaluate the impact of his stylistic strategies on public perception. A qualitative research approach was adopted, utilising textual analysis to examine linguistic elements such as metaphor, presupposition, irony, and intertextuality, which are central to critical stylistics. Data for the study were purposively selected from The Nation newspaper's archives of Sam Omatseye, focusing on articles that address critical socio-political issues in Nigeria. The findings reveal that Omatseye employs diverse stylistic techniques to engage readers. These include the use of vivid metaphors, cultural allusions, and rhetorical questions, which serve to critique governance and societal norms. His writings consistently advocate for values such as accountability, integrity, and justice, using language to frame socio-political issues as urgent moral imperatives. The study concludes that Omatseye’s stylistic strategies not only enhance the rhetorical impact of his articles but also influence public discourse by shaping readers’ perceptions and encouraging critical engagement with societal issues.