The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has reinstated four of its chapels disenfranchised during the state election, held last December.
This was as the state council of the NUJ also threatened to sue a prominent Islamic cleric, Alhaji Taofeek Akeugbagold, for defaulting in payment of ₦11 million he owed the Union.
These were parts of the decision taken by the Oyo NUJ at its maiden Congress under the leadership of Comrade Akeem Abas, held at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, Iyaganku, Ibadan on Saturday.
These were contained in a communique issued at the end of the Congress by a three-man communique-drafting committee, including Comrades David Adeoye, Mosope Kehinde and Victoria Ayanleye.
After an extensive deliberation, the Oyo NUJ Council unanimously reinstated the four disenfrachised chapels, including 32FM Chapel; New Media Chapel; Daar Communication Chapel, and Ajayi Crowder FM Chapel.
The four chapels were duly inaugurated during the Comrade Ademola Babalola-led administration but were denied participation in the 9 December, 2025 election by the previous administration.
The Congress resolved that the chapels be fully restored and that the State NUJ Executive shall closely monitor their activities to ensure compliance with the NUJ Constitution and operational standards.
The Union, bent on recovering its fund on the botched NUJ Housing Estate, totalling ₦11 million, expressed its disappointment with Alhaji Akeugbagold who is holding on to the fund.
It made it known that the Islamic cleric had repeatedly assured that he will return the money, but had failed to make any repayment, in spite of several appeals to him.
Consequently, the Congress directed its lawyer to issue a final written demand to Alhaji Akeugbagold to settle the debt within seven days, failure of which to comply will result in taking a legal action on the matter.
Oyo NUJ also condemned the rising wave of insecurity in Oyo State in particular and Nigeria in general and called on government at all levels to take action to stem the tide.
The Congress expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Oyo State, particularly the recent bandit attack on Old Oyo National Park, at Oloka Village, in Oriire Local Government Area, which tragically claimed the lives of five forest guards.
The NUJ extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Oloka Community.
The Congress calls on the Oyo State Government and security agencies in the state to intensify efforts at protecting lives and properties in the state.
It particularly called for strict implementation of profiling and regulation of Okada riders entering the state; strengthening of border security as well deployment of additional security personnel to remote and border communities.
Oyo NUJ further urged all state-owned media outlets to intensify public awareness campaigns on security issues, especially the dangers of One-Chance operations which has attained worrisome level in the state.
This was as Congress urged citizens to be security-conscious by exercising caution when sharing personal information on social media.
The State Council, in a release by the Secretary, Comrade Temidayo Adu, extended its gratitude to all NUJ members who attended the maiden congress under the Comrade Abas administration.
It appealed to every journalist in the state to remain steadfast, united and committed to the shared vision and collective goals of the NUJ “as we strive to protect press freedom, promote professional excellence, and defend the welfare of our members.”
