The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has entered a new phase of leadership following the election and swearing-in of Akeem Abass of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as its new chairman after a tightly contested poll in Ibadan.
Abass secured 143 votes to defeat Adebayo Raji, who polled 118 votes, and Shola Oladapo, who received 53 votes. Five votes were declared void.
The transition also produced other key officers of the council:
Biodun Atilola (Vice Chairman) – 205 votes
Temidayo Adu (Secretary) – 166 votes
Moses Morenikeji (Treasurer) – 173 votes
Their emergence marks a complete shift from the outgoing Ademola Babalola-led executive, which was officially dissolved during the event.
Speaking shortly after the results were announced, Ronke Samuel, Vice President of NUJ B-Zone, praised the conduct of both the Electoral Committee and the Credentials Screening Committee. She said their commitment ensured a transparent, credible, and peaceful contest.
“We commend them for doing a very good job. I pray that the incoming Chairman and his executive members will perform excellently to further advance the progress of the council,” she said.
Samuel called on members—particularly those who lost in the election—to put the contest behind them and support the new leadership to strengthen unity and growth within the union.
The new chairman was sworn in by Barrister Jelili Oladehinde Oladimeji, who administered the oath of office.
In his acceptance speech, Abass expressed deep gratitude to God, the committees, and all stakeholders who contributed to the smooth conduct of the election. He described his victory as a collective mandate from journalists who value unity.
“This victory is not for me alone but for all journalists who believe in unity. I pledge to serve with utmost commitment and dedication,” he said.
Setting the tone for his administration, Abass declared a state of emergency on unprofessional conduct within the Oyo media space, vowing to confront unethical practices and uphold the highest standards of journalism.
He assured members that his leadership would fulfil all campaign promises and embark on a comprehensive rebranding of the Oyo NUJ Council to reflect the aspirations of journalists across the state.
