Oyo NUJ Gives Taofeek Akeugbagold 7-Day Ultimatum to Refund ₦11m Estate Funds, Threatens Legal Action
The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Alhaji Taofeek Akeugbagold to refund the sum of ₦11 million allegedly owed the union from its estate funds or face legal action.
By Seyifunmi Odunuga
The directive was part of far-reaching resolutions in the communiqué issued by members of the Committee—David Adeoye, Mosope Kehinde and Victoria Ayanleye—and signed by the Council Chairman, Akeem Abas and Secretary, Temidayo Adu at the maiden congress of the newly elected NUJ Oyo State leadership, held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Ibadan, under the chairmanship of Comrade Akeem Abas.
Rising from the congress, journalists expressed deep disappointment over what they described as the prolonged and unresolved issue surrounding the union’s estate funds currently in the custody of Akeugbagold. The congress noted that despite repeated assurances to refund the money, no payment has been made, prompting a decisive stance by the union.
Consequently, the congress resolved to mandate its legal counsel to issue a final written demand to Akeugbagold, insisting that the ₦11 million be paid within seven days, warning that failure to comply would leave the union with no option than to seek redress in court.
Beyond the estate fund controversy, the congress also took steps to address internal union democracy by reinstating four chapels—32FM Chapel, New Media Chapel, Daar Communications Chapel and Ajayi Crowther FM Chapel—which were duly inaugurated but barred from participating in the December 9, 2025 NUJ election by the immediate past administration. The congress directed the State Executive Council to closely monitor the reinstated chapels to ensure strict adherence to the NUJ Constitution and operational guidelines.
On security, the NUJ congress condemned in strong terms the worsening insecurity across Oyo State, particularly the deadly bandit attack on Old Oyo National Park at Oloka Village in Oriire Local Government Area, which resulted in the killing of five forest guards. The union extended its condolences to the bereaved families and the Oloka community, describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the growing threat posed by criminal elements.
The congress called on the Oyo State Government and security agencies to urgently intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property, recommending stricter profiling and regulation of commercial motorcyclists entering the state, enhanced border surveillance, and the deployment of additional security personnel to border and remote communities.
It further charged state-owned media organisations to step up public enlightenment on security-related issues, particularly the rising menace of “one-chance” criminal operations, which it said has reached an alarming level. Citizens were also urged to exercise restraint in sharing sensitive personal information on social media platforms.
The congress concluded by appreciating journalists who attended the maiden meeting under the Abas-led administration and called on all journalists in Oyo State to remain united, committed and resolute in advancing press freedom, professional excellence and the welfare of members
