Politics
Drama as Babalola, Faniran lay claim to Oyo NUJ chairmanship
Considering the current drama unfolding after the conduct of yesterday’s election of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo state council, what seemed like a fairytale ride to the apex seat of the number one journalist in the state for Fresh FM’s Demola Babalola may be turning into a complex litigation as Faniran Adewumi of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) is also laying claim to the same seat.
Babalola and other executives were elected on Wednesday 18th December, 2019 to run the affairs of the NUJ, Oyo state council for the next three years.
According to the results of the election which was held at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, Oyo NUJ premises, Ibadan, Mr. Babalola polled 179 votes to emerge, chairman, defeating his only rival, who is also the incumbent chairman of the Union, Mr. Adewumi Faniran who had 6 votes.
The swearing-in of the newly elected officers, including Demola Babalola was immediately conducted by Mr. Adebayo Salawu, an Ibadan based legal practitioner, in the presence of the Senior Assistant National Secretary of NUJ, Mr. Gbemiga Bamidele.
However, in his reaction, Faniran on Thursday via his verified Facebook page declared himself as the Chairman of the Union
He informed that the National Industrial Court in Ibadan, stopped the National Secretariat of NUJ from conducting election pending the determination of a suit before it, saying status quo should remain.
“May I put it on records that, I, Adewumi Faniran and my Chapel, FRCN, as well as my loyalists and those who believe in the NUJ constitution did not participate in the illegality called election. It was indeed a show of shame”
“I want to appreciate you all for the show of solidarity since the beginning of this struggle and enjoin you to be more steadfast in our resolve to emancipate our Union from the hands of the maximum rulers.
“NUJ is our joint heritage and it’s far bigger than any individual. For me, I have seen the current development in Oyo NUJ as a challenge rather than do or die thing. What happened yesterday was not an election but selection by the National Secretariat of NUJ.
“As a regular payer of Check off dues into the coffers of NUJ, I will not succumb to the ploy by certain individual(s) to desecrate the union. I will continue to toll the path of justice until the National Secretariat does what is right.
“I want to state categorically that with yesterday’s order by the National Industrial Court, NIC, my executive remains intact”, Faniran submitted.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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