By Raheem Ibrahim
Dr. Solih Owonikoko Imoloba has emerged as the new Chairman, Ilorin Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Western Zone at the just concluded election held in Owo, Ondo State at weekend.
Election of Dr Owonikoko to become New Chairman was made easier on Saturday, 8th November, 2025 when his opponent, Alhaji Saliu Aileru voluntarily withdrew from the race and left the venue with some of his supporters at the last minute.
It was reliably gathered that there had been crisis among the supporters of the two candidates, where accusation and counter accusation trailed the campaign before the election day, over alleged misappropriation of Union fund by the then Investment committee led by Alhaji Aileru as Chairman.
During the election process, the congress turned down the nomination of Electoral Committee but later resolved that three members of the Union National delegation should conduct election in open ballot process.
Source revealed that when it was glaring that the number of branches that are in support of Dr Owonikoko are in majority, Alhaji Aileru addressed the Congress and declared his voluntary withdrawal from the race and immediately left the venue with some of his supporters.
Reacting to the claim by Alhaji Aileru that the election was fraudulent exercise, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Abubakar Baba, the Vice Chairman, IEDPU Western Zone said, “All motions relating to the conduct of the election, eligibility of voters, accreditation, and adoption of voting procedures were openly presented before the congress and ratified. No single delegate raised an objection after these motions were duly moved and seconded.
“It is therefore misleading to claim that the constitution was disregarded. The IEDPU Western Zone 2025 Election was a model of transparency, inclusiveness, and democratic participation.
Alhaji Baba explained, “On the Question of Accredited Branches and Eligible Voters. For the avoidance of doubt, the IEDPU Western Zone currently has 52 constitutionally recognized branches. However, in the buildup to the convention, 12 additional branches formally registered with the Union and were issued registration acknowledgments, thereby qualifying them to participate as bona fide members in accordance with IEDPU’s tradition of inclusivity and progress”.
“The matter was openly tabled before the congress during the convention, and after deliberations, a motion was moved, seconded, and unanimously approved that the 12 newly registered branches be allowed to vote and be voted for.
“The decision was reached democratically and transparently, not by manipulation as falsely alleged. This brought the total number of voting branches to 64, and their accreditation was conducted in the full glare of all delegates”, he added
On Aileru Claim of Electoral Fraud and Walkout, the Vice Chairman insisted, “It is on record that Alhaji Saliu Oluwadare Aileru voluntarily withdrew from the election, not because of any fraud, but because he sensed imminent defeat following the overwhelming support enjoyed by his opponent (Dr. Solih Musa Kolawole Owonikoko Imoloba) among the delegates.
“His withdrawal was a desperate face-saving attempt to justify his poor standing within the Union. The congress continued peacefully after his exit, and the election proceeded in accordance with the approved open ballot system.
“To now turn around and describe the process he abandoned midway as “fraudulent” is dishonest, malicious, and unbecoming of a person who once sought leadership within our noble Union.
“On the Adoption of the Open Ballot System, the open ballot system was openly proposed by the electoral officers and approved by voice vote of the delegates before voting commenced. No objection was raised by any accredited delegate, and the process was carried out with transparency and fairness.
“All contestants were duly nominated and seconded in line with the IEDPU Constitution. The results were counted openly and announced immediately in the presence of observers, delegates, and the National Executive members.
“On the Integrity of the Electoral Committee and National Executives
The National Executive members who conducted the election are men of proven integrity and long-standing service to the Ilorin Emirate and to IEDPU. Their involvement ensured impartiality, orderliness, and transparency.
“It is therefore mischievous and defamatory for Alhaji Aileru to describe the process as a “gang-up.” The only “gang-up” was the congress’s collective rejection of imposition and indiscipline.
However, the election still went on as delegates voted for their choice candidates respectively and the results are declared on the spot, while the newly elected officers are sworn-in on the presence of the Union National delegation, led by the President of IEDPU, Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik.
“We call on all members to rally behind the new leadership and reject the divisive antics of those who place personal interest above collective development. The Union stands firm, unshaken, and resolute in the face of baseless blackmail” Alhaji Baba remarked