Akeem Abass of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has emerged as the new Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) after a closely contested election held in Ibadan on Monday.
Abass secured 143 votes to defeat Adebayo Raji, who polled 118 votes, and Shola Oladapo, who scored 53 votes, while five votes were declared void.
Other newly elected members of the executive council include Moses Morenikeji (Treasurer), who garnered 173 votes; Temidayo Adu (Secretary) with 166 votes; and Biodun Atilola (Vice Chairman), who emerged with 205 votes.
Speaking after the declaration of results, the Vice President of NUJ B-Zone, Ronke Saamo, commended the Electoral Committee led by Ismail Fasasi, as well as the Credentials Screening Committee, for conducting a transparent and credible election. She also praised the outgoing chairman, Demola Babalola, for “raising the bar” and contributing significantly to the growth of the union.
“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. Saamo urged all members—especially those who lost in the election—to work with the new administration in the overall interest of the union.
Before the handover, she formally dissolved the Demola Babalola–led executive council, applauding its achievements over the past years.
The newly elected chairman, Akeem Abass, was sworn in by Barrister Jelili Oladehinde Oladimeji, who administered the oath of office.
In his acceptance speech, Abass expressed profound gratitude to God, the committees, and all stakeholders who ensured a successful electoral process.
“I stand before you today with a heart of gratitude. 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.
He went on to declare a state of emergency on unprofessionalism within the Oyo State media landscape, promising to tackle unethical practices and entrench the highest standards of journalism.
Abass assured members that his administration would fulfill its electioneering promises and reposition the Oyo NUJ for greater respect, relevance, and service to journalists across the state.
