NIGERIA: Kwara State Correspondents Cut Off Relationship With NUJ State Council Indefinitely

By Balogun Arisekola Azeez, Ilorin Kwara State

The Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has been thrown into fresh crisis as the Correspondents’ Chapel announced the suspension of all working relations with the Council, escalating an already prolonged leadership dispute within the union.

The decision was taken at the Chapel’s monthly congress held in Ilorin, where members unanimously resolved to distance themselves from all activities and engagements organised by the State Council with immediate effect.

In a communique issued after the meeting and signed by the Chapel Chairman, ‘Biola Azeez, and Secretary, Mosunmola Ayobami, the Chapel said the action was necessary to protect its leadership structure and maintain internal cohesion amid ongoing disagreements.

“Congress, after careful consideration of recent developments, resolved to suspend all forms of relationship with the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) with immediate effect,” the communique stated.

It further disclosed that members of the Chapel would no longer participate in press briefings, official assignments, or media-related programmes organised by the State Council until further notice.

The Chapel attributed the decision to what it described as the continued non-recognition of its elected leadership following a congress election held on November 1, 2025, which produced a new executive committee that was subsequently inaugurated.

“The Congress expressed disappointment over the refusal of the State Council to recognise the duly elected executives of the Correspondents’ Chapel despite a transparent and constitutionally conducted election and subsequent inauguration,” it added.

According to the communique, multiple reconciliation efforts had been made to resolve the dispute, involving senior stakeholders including representatives of the state government, NUJ national leadership, and other respected mediators within the journalism community.

However, it noted that all interventions aimed at restoring harmony between both parties had failed to produce a lasting resolution.

The Chapel maintained that its decision would remain in force until its leadership is formally recognised and all outstanding issues are addressed by the appropriate authorities within

the union structure.